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Zachary K. RothschildView profile

Associate Professor

• Social Psychology
• Moral Psychology
• Existential Psychology
• +3 more

Zachary K. Rothschild is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Chair of the Psychology Department at Bowdoin College. He joined Bowdoin in July 2014 after serving as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Carleton College. His academic journey includes a PhD in Social Psychology from the University of Kansas (2008-2013), an MA in Experimental Psychology from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (2005-2008), and a BA in Psychology from Knox College (2001-2005). PhD, Social Psychology, University of Kansas (2008-2013) MA, Experimental Psychology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs (2005-2008) BA, Psychology, Knox College (2001-2005) Rothschild's research focuses on the psychological defenses people employ to maintain a meaningful and controllable conception of reality and a positive moral identity when faced with threatening circumstances. He is particularly interested in how defensive processes can lead to scapegoating, moral outrage, and intergroup conflict. His work often draws on Terror Management Theory and existential psychology to understand how people respond to threats to their moral identity or sense of control, examining phenomena like how people blame scapegoats to protect their perceived personal control or moral identity when confronted with large-scale negative events such as climate change or economic turmoil. Analysis of Rothschild's recent publications reveals a strong focus on moral psychology and existential threats. His work consistently examines how people's defensive responses to threats manifest in social and moral judgments. A key theme across his research is the dual-motive model of scapegoating, which proposes that people engage in scapegoating either to reduce guilt over their own moral failings or to restore a sense of control when facing chaotic threats. His research also explores how moral outrage can serve psychological functions such as restoring one's moral identity or providing a sense of meaning in life. Bowdoin Faculty Development Research Award (2018) Teacher/Scholar Travel Award from the Society for the Study of Personality and Social Psychology (2016) Outstanding Teaching Award from University of Kansas (2012) Otto Klineberg Intercultural and International Relations Award (2012) Outstanding Research Award from the Society for the Study of Personality and Social Psychology (2008) Rothschild has received significant recognition for his research, including multiple awards for both his teaching and scholarly contributions. His work has been supported by research grants, though specific grant details aren't provided in the available text. As Chair of the Psychology Department at Bowdoin College, he also plays a significant administrative role in the department. While specific information about graduate students he has advised isn't detailed in the available text, his publications suggest collaborations with undergraduate and graduate students, particularly at Bowdoin College. Rothschild's research program represents an important contribution to understanding how psychological defenses operate in social contexts, particularly how threats to moral identity or control can lead to destructive interpersonal and intergroup processes. His work bridges social, personality, and clinical psychology, offering insights into both theoretical mechanisms and real-world applications related to intergroup conflict and moral judgment.

• Gender Studies
• Sexualities
• Embodiment
• +5 more

Tiina Vares is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Human Services at the University of Canterbury's Faculty of Arts, a position she has held since January 2005. Her research specializes in sexualities, gender, embodiment, ageing, and intimacies, with notable projects on preteen girls' engagement with popular culture amid 'sexualization' debates, asexuality in New Zealand, and emerging work on digital intimacy transformations. Her research interests span critical examinations of gender norms, digital relationships, asexuality studies, media representations of femininity, and the intersection of technology with intimate practices. She employs interdisciplinary approaches drawing from sociology, cultural studies, and feminist theory to analyze contemporary social phenomena. Vares' publications consistently explore themes of gender identity, digital communication, and sexual politics. Her recent work focuses on dating app cultures and asexuality, while earlier research critically engages with media representations of girls and women. Methodologically, she emphasizes qualitative and participatory approaches, including video diaries and discourse analysis. She has supervised 25+ graduate students on diverse topics including gender relations in workplaces, LGBTQ+ experiences, migration identities, sexuality education, and media analysis. Her mentorship covers thesis projects exploring BDSM communities, transgender youth, polyamory, and post-disaster social services. Professional activities include editorial board membership for Women's Studies Journal (since 2014), chairing the School of Language, Social and Political Sciences (2013-present), and peer review for journals including Sexualities , Feminism and Psychology , and Gender, Place, and Culture .

• Mental Health Promotion and Prevention
• Stigma Reduction
• Transprejudice Reduction
• +3 more

Tanya L. Tompkins serves as Professor and Department Co-Chair at Linfield University, where she works as a clinical psychologist specializing in mental health promotion and prevention. Her research critically examines social determinants of psychological well-being with emphasis on reducing objectification, transprejudice, and stigma. Her academic credentials include: B.A. from University of Colorado, Boulder M.A. from University of California, Los Angeles Ph.D. from University of California, Los Angeles Dr. Tompkins teaches core clinical psychology courses including research methods, abnormal psychology, and theories of counseling and psychotherapy. Her scholarly work bridges clinical practice with social justice initiatives, particularly in identity-based stigma reduction. While the source text does not specify current research teams or laboratories, her departmental leadership role indicates active institutional engagement. No information regarding scientific awards, grant funding, or student advising was provided in the source material. Outside academia, she maintains wellness practices through running, hiking, and yoga, alongside family activities and dog companionship.