Aakash Chowkase

Aakash Chowkase, Ph.D., is an Associate Research Scientist at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and the Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine. His work focuses on measuring and cultivating concern for others in adolescents and adults, with expertise in psychoeducational program design and evaluation. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Studies from Purdue University, an M.A. in Education from Azim Premji University, and a B.E. in Information Technology from Savitribai Phule Pune University.

**Education:**

• B.E. in Information Technology, Savitribai Phule Pune University (2011)
• B.Ed., Savitribai Phule Pune University (2017)
• M.A. in Education, Azim Premji University (2015)
• Ph.D. in Educational Studies, Purdue University (2022)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of California, Berkeley (2024)

**Research Interests:**

Dr. Chowkase’s research integrates social-emotional learning (SEL), creativity, and compassion. He develops assessments and interventions to foster empathy and prosocial behavior, particularly in underserved populations. Recent work explores courage dual-process models and the expansion of human concern circles through SEL programs.

**Awards:**

• Outstanding Dissertation Award (NAGC, 2023)
• Outstanding Dissertation Award (AERA, 2023)
• Carolyn Callahan Doctoral Student Award (2022)

**Grants & Teams:**

Co-founder of the Jnana Prabodhini Foundation, promoting education equity in rural India. Collaborates with global teams on SEL implementation and pandemic-related health analytics.

**Labs/Teams:**

Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence (primary affiliation), and interdisciplinary teams at the Child Study Center.