Jennifer Dyer-Seymour

Jennifer Dyer-Seymour is a full Professor of Psychology at California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB), where she has served since 2004. She chaired the Psychology program from 2009 to 2019, transforming it from a minor into one of campus's most popular majors through rigorous science-based curriculum development. A recipient of CSUMB's 2019 Excellence in Teaching Award, she currently teaches capstone courses with specialized focus on oral communication skills development for psychology majors.

Her research centers on critical transitions in formal education, specifically kindergarten readiness and college graduation pathways. As lead researcher for the 2017 Read to Me Project collaboration, she examined how sibling reading prepares pre-K children for kindergarten. Her ongoing longitudinal study (initiated 2020) investigates college graduation determinants through first-year student interviews. Her scholarly work spans developmental psychology, educational transitions, and communication skill development, with particular emphasis on gender-typed behaviors in museum settings and employer-aligned student competencies.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals an evolutionary trajectory from early cross-cultural mental state research (2000-2006) to contemporary investigations of educational transitions (2014-2022). Her methodology consistently integrates undergraduate researchers in naturalistic settings, with recent work pivoting toward practical applications for student success and science communication. Key thematic threads include gender socialization in informal learning environments, college-to-career skill alignment, and evidence-based teaching practices.

• CSUMB Excellence in Teaching Award (2019)

As department chair (2009-2019), she mentored faculty in developing science-literate communicators while maintaining active undergraduate research mentorship. Her capstone courses regularly involve 16+ students in replication studies, such as the 2018 natural environment project featured in her podcast interview. Current advising focuses on longitudinal college graduation research and museum-based observational studies. She serves on the Academic Senate Executive Committee (2015-2019) and collaborates with community organizations like the Read to Me Project.

Her research lab operates through immersive capstone experiences, most recently documented in the May 2022 lab photo. The team specializes in naturalistic observation methods, particularly in pop-up museum environments where they analyze family interactions and gender-typed exhibit choices. This work directly informs her teaching philosophy that emphasizes real-world application of psychological science.