Shelley Carson

Shelley Carson is an Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at Harvard University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. She teaches courses at Harvard Extension School on Creativity, Psychopathology, Resilience, Habits and Habit Change, and the Science of Brain Health. Her work explores the intersection of creativity, mental health, and human flourishing through biological, psychological, and sociocultural lenses.

• Educated at Harvard University (Ph.D. in Psychology) and University of South Florida (B.A. in English Literature)

Her research focuses on the relationship between creative activity and health benefits like stress reduction, emotional regulation, and meaning-making. She also investigates brain health optimization and has delivered a 2017 TEDx Talk titled "The quick start guide to creativity." Carson emphasizes collaborative learning, stating she learns as much from her students as they do from her.