Neil Hester

Neil Hester is an Assistant Professor at the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on social psychology, particularly in areas such as stereotyping, racial bias, moral psychology, and person perception. He investigates how social judgments are formed, influenced by factors like appearance, political affiliation, and cultural context. His work addresses topics ranging from police decision-making biases to the perception of abstract entities like 'God.'

Hester's research employs experimental methods and cross-cultural analyses to uncover universal and variable patterns in social cognition. His studies often highlight how stereotypes and biases operate in everyday judgments, with implications for law enforcement, policy, and social equity.

His recent work includes examining racial disparities in policing, the moral condemnation of ambiguous actions, and the intersectionality of multiple social identities. While no specific educational background or awards are listed, his publications reflect a strong commitment to understanding systemic social dynamics through empirical research.