Amy Shapiro

Amy Shapiro serves as Dean of the Honors College at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where she oversees the University Honors Program and Commonwealth Scholar requirements. Located in the Claire T. Carney Library, she teaches HON 490 and HON 491 courses focused on honors thesis development and public presentation of research.

• PhD in Psychology from Brown University (1992)

Dr. Shapiro's research program investigates cognitive mechanisms underlying memory storage and retrieval across multiple contexts. Her work spans classroom settings, laboratory environments, and real-world applications, with particular emphasis on how digital technologies influence learning processes. Current research examines why individuals employ rigorous cognitive strategies in most domains yet adopt error-prone approaches when evaluating conspiracy theories and misinformation, seeking to identify the personality characteristics and cognitive processes that drive these inconsistencies.

Her publication record reveals consistent scholarly productivity with research themes evolving from foundational memory studies toward contemporary investigations of misinformation and technology-mediated learning. The most recent work (2024) addresses domains of baseless belief, while earlier publications (2017-2005) established her expertise in classroom response systems, hypertext learning, and memory phenomena. This trajectory demonstrates sustained contribution to understanding how people process information and form beliefs across changing technological landscapes.

Dr. Shapiro has secured research funding from significant sources including the US Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences (IES) program and the James S. McDonnell Foundation, supporting her investigations into memory and learning processes.

• Directs individual advising, mentoring, and funding initiatives for honors students
• Oversees the Honors College Student Council which builds academic community
• Manages the APEX (Advanced Practice Experience) requirement for Commonwealth Scholars

The Honors College under her leadership has launched initiatives supporting student achievements through specialized advising and research funding opportunities, including the Founders' Scholarship program for incoming students.