Gary W. Lewandowski Jr.

Gary W. Lewandowski Jr. is a Professor of Psychology at Monmouth University, where he serves as a member of the Institutional Review Board (IRB). His research, writing, and public speaking focus on romantic relationships, self and identity, and the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). He has published over 50 academic articles and book chapters, given over 120 conference presentations, and authored numerous articles for mass media outlets.

Education:

• Ph.D., Stony Brook University
• M.A., Stony Brook University
• B.A., Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Lewandowski's primary research focuses on the role of self in romantic relationships, examining processes such as attraction, relationship initiation, maintenance, infidelity, and break-up. He also researches improving pedagogy for teaching research methods and statistics. His work has been featured in major media outlets including the Washington Post, New York Times, The Atlantic, and CNN. He writes The Psychology of Relationships blog on Psychology Today and his TEDx talk "Break-ups Don't Have to Leave You Broken" has been viewed nearly 2 million times.

His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on self-expansion theory in relationships, examining how individuals grow through relationships and how relationship dynamics affect self-concept. His work spans social psychology, personality psychology, and relationship science, with particular emphasis on practical applications for improving relationship quality and understanding breakup recovery.

Scientific Awards:

• 2016 Teacher/Scholar Travel Award from the Society for Personality and Social Psychology
• 2013 Association of American Medical Colleges Award for Outstanding Instruction in Pre-health Competencies
• 2012 SPSP Media Prize as Co-Founder & Administrator for www.ScienceOfRelationships.com
• 2012 Monmouth University Distinguished Teacher Award
• 2012 Princeton Review's The Best 300 Professors
• 2011 New Jersey Psychological Association Emerging Researcher Award

Dr. Lewandowski has advised numerous students through his teaching of courses like Intimate Relationships (PY 360) and Research II: Behavioral Statistics and Laboratory (PY 311). He has received multiple teaching awards recognizing his ability to translate complex psychological concepts into accessible knowledge. Through his popular media presence and books, he has helped millions understand relationship science.

He co-created and edits www.TeachPsychScience.org, creating resources for psychology educators, and has authored the trade book Stronger Than You Think: The 10 Blind Spots That Undermine Your Relationship...and How to See Past Them with Little Brown & Company.