Ira Saiger

Ira Saiger is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Mercy College, affiliated with the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. With 21 years of higher education experience, he has been an adjunct faculty member at Mercy since 2004. His teaching focuses on cultivating classroom community through innovative methods such as weekly student letters inspired by his mentor Dr. Susan Handelman. He emphasizes critical thinking and the integration of theoretical concepts with real-world observations, such as using Times Square landmarks to illustrate cognitive psychology principles.

Key courses taught include Abnormal Psychology (PSYN 312), Alcohol, Drugs, and Behavior (PSYN 262), Human Sexual Behavior (PSYN 237), and Personality Psychology (PSYN 213). His pedagogical approach prioritizes student engagement with course materials, particularly through consistent reading assignments. He draws philosophical connections between language and reality, influenced by Dr. Handelman’s work in Slayers of Moses.