Todd Nelson
Department
Psychology
Biography
I grew up in Minneapolis, MN, and went to the U of MN for my undergrad degree. Though I was a psych major, I didn't really know what I wanted to do with it till my senior year, and I was a research assistant for a social psychologist. I saw the professor life up close, and loved it. I decided that is what I wanted to do. I went to Michigan State U. for my social psych Ph.D., and while there, working under my dissertation advisor, Galen Bodenhausen, I became interested in research on prejudice and stereotyping. This has been my research specialty ever since. I've written a textbook (the psychology of prejudice), edited a book on ageism, and am currently writing an Intro to Social Psychology textbook.
Academic Credentials
B.A., Psychology, University of Minnesota, 1989
M.S., Clinical Psychology, Illinois State University, 1991
Ph.D., Social Psychology, Michigan State University, 1996
Area of expertise
Most of my research is focused on understanding the factors that lead to the formation and maintenance of prejudice and stereotypes. I am specifically interested in prejudice against older adults (ageism).
What have you learned from your students?
I love talking to my students, helping them improve their studying, setting their goals for after college, and helping them prepare for graduate school. Every student is interesting, and has something to offer the class discussions. I've learned that my students are incredibly curious, interested, and often just as fired up about psychology as I am, which is very gratifying.
Why do students choose CSU Stanislaus?
Students don't get lost in a huge system. The smaller size of our university helps keep that close community feel, and our small class sizes foster a more relaxed atmosphere where students and faculty can have more meaningful interactions, and discussions. I think that personal attention to every student is what our students appreciate at this university.
How do students succeed in your class?
By asking questions, attending lectures, and studying the text appropriately. I like to make myself very available to students via email and flexible office hours or other appointments. Students are encouraged to talk to me about the material, how to study, etc., as often as they wish. It sounds old-fashioned, but I encourage students to spend as much time with the material as possible, making flashcards, retyping lecture notes, etc. The more time spent going over it, the better they will do on exams.
What brought you to CSU Stanislaus?
The University was looking for a social psychologist who had a minor in cognitive psychology, and who specialized in prejudice research. That fit me perfectly. I think my extensive teaching experience as a grad student [I had taught 5 of my own classes] was also a positive factor in my application. I came here because it was such a great fit with what I wanted to do.
If you were not teaching, what other career do you see yourself in?
Something connected to academia, such as research full time. I guess the job I would have would need to be something where I am constantly learning something new every day as well. Academics are curious about the world. We want to learn as much as possible. Being a professor is a great career because every day, whether through research, writing books, or interacting with students, I am learning new things.
Describe a former student who has attained professional success.
One of the most gratifying things for me in my career is to see my former students succeed after they graduate. Several have gone on to Ph.D. programs. Others have sought master's degrees, and then have attained great careers. One student I supervised as my teaching assistant for two years (and who had taken all my classes) just finished her Ph.D. in clinical psychology, and is starting her internship. She just got married, and is doing very well. As I mentioned earlier, one of my favorite things is to help students succeed in their employment or graduate school plans beyond their degree at CSUS. It is a great feeling to see them succeed.
E-mail Address
tnelson@csustan.edu
