Patrick R. Harrison

Dr. Patrick R. Harrison is a Teaching Associate Professor and Director of Instructional Development in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Social Psychology from Loyola University, and a B.S. in Psychology (summa cum laude) from Aquinas College. His research focuses on positive psychology, intergroup relations, well-being, and pedagogical methodologies, particularly in quantitative research training. He has been recognized with prestigious teaching awards including the Psi Chi Award for Teaching Excellence (2017-2019) and the Chapman Family Teaching Award (2023).

Dr. Harrison teaches courses such as Statistical Principles of Psychological Research, Graduate Statistical Methods, and Prejudice, Stereotyping, and Discrimination. His research spans topics like community violence impacts, asthma interventions, and mental health in marginalized populations. He has published on neurotechnology in education, urban youth aggression, and the role of hope and optimism in psychological well-being.

His teaching philosophy emphasizes making challenging subjects like statistics accessible and engaging, earning him acclaim for bridging academic rigor with student-centered learning. He has also contributed to programs addressing health disparities in diabetes and asthma management among underserved communities.