Dr. Kailey Lawson, an assistant professor of psychology at Rhodes College, has been recognized with the prestigious SAGE Emerging Scholar Award by the Society of Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP). This award highlights her significant contributions to the field of psychology, particularly as she embarks on her academic career. The honor reflects her impactful research and positions her among emerging leaders in the discipline.
The SAGE Emerging Scholar Award is presented in collaboration with SAGE Publications and acknowledges the work of scholars who are early in their careers but have already made notable strides. Dr. Lawson, who began her tenure at Rhodes College in 2023 after earning her Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, will receive this accolade at the SPSP annual meeting scheduled for February 2026 in Chicago. Her recognition serves as a testament to her early influence in the field, despite her recent entry into academia.
Dr. Lawson’s research focuses on the intricate dynamics of human behavior, specifically examining the “nature, development, and assessment of personality traits and their impact on mental health and academic achievement.” At Rhodes College, she teaches various courses, including statistics, personality psychology, and adolescent development. Additionally, she plays a vital role in the college’s innovative data analytics program, integrating her research interests into the curriculum.
In addition to the SAGE award, Dr. Lawson has received several honors for her scholarly work. These include the Heritage Dissertation Award and the Student Publication Award from SPSP. Her consistent trajectory of achievement is further underscored by her previous recognition as an Emerging Scholar by the Association for Research in Personality. This series of awards reflects her dedication to advancing psychological science.
Dr. Lawson has authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles, contributing significantly to academic literature. Her expertise is recognized through her membership on the editorial boards of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology and the Personality and Social Psychology Review. In 2024, her leadership potential was acknowledged when she was elected to the executive committee of the Society for the Improvement of Psychological Science.
These accomplishments highlight Dr. Lawson’s commitment to both scientific inquiry and the advancement of her field. As she continues to build her academic career, her recognition with the SAGE Emerging Scholar Award marks a significant milestone that promises to inspire future research and education in psychology.
