About
Shira Fishman, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Clinical Psychology Department and Associate Director of the Office of Faculty Affairs at William James University. She holds a PhD in Social Psychology from the University of Maryland, along with MA and BA degrees in Psychology from the University of Maryland and Barnard College, respectively. Her research focuses on the Psychology of Terrorism, Program Evaluation, and Psychometrics, with notable work on Jewish identity dynamics and the impact of Taglit-Birthright Israel programs. Fishman has authored/co-authored over a dozen publications, including reports on Israel literacy and studies analyzing Jewish engagement through sociological lenses.
Her research interests bridge psychological theory and applied community studies, with a focus on how identity formation and communal frameworks influence behavior. Key contributions include evaluating the societal impact of Birthright Israel and exploring the interplay between Jewish cultural distinctiveness and broader American identity. Fishman also consults on survey design and data analysis for institutions like Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel.
