Mrim Boutla

Mrim Boutla is a Lecturer in the Department of English at the University of Maryland, College Park, within the College of Arts and Humanities. She holds a BSc in Psychology from Université Catholique de Louvain, MA and PhD in Brain and Cognitive Sciences from the University of Rochester, and an Executive Certificate in Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Management from Georgetown University. Her academic and professional work bridges cognitive neuroscience, social entrepreneurship, and career development. She has taught at institutions including the University of Rochester, Georgetown University, and Brown University, and leads ed tech initiatives to enhance career outcomes for students and professionals.

Dr. Boutla’s research focuses on aligning career aspirations with social impact, leveraging cognitive science insights to design educational tools. She founded Cognaction LLC, offering career coaching, and co-created More Than Money Careers, an award-winning platform aiding over 5,000 innovators in impact-driven careers. Her work emphasizes neuroplasticity applications in job search strategies, network building for social entrepreneurs, and overcoming career-related anxieties.

Awarded the Ashoka U/Cordes Prize for Social Innovation in 2013, her contributions to higher education’s role in fostering socially responsible careers are widely recognized. Her publications explore themes like proactive career planning, leveraging cognitive biases, and integrating sustainability into professional goals.

• Education:
  • BSc Psychology, Université Catholique de Louvain
  • MA & PhD Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester
  • Executive Certificate, Georgetown University
• Labs/Organizations: Cognaction LLC, More Than Money Careers, Quad Learning