Dr. David Livert

Cooking is a practical act that we do every day, but it is deceptively complex, as it is also a creative and psychological outlet as well as a vocation. It is also a primary research interest of Dr. David Livert, professor of psychology. Just as food can be a great unifier, so too is a Penn State education. Livert values the opportunities to connect with and challenge his students. “I enjoy the challenge of communicating theory and research to students in an accessible, light, and thought-provoking style. I am gratified to know most of my students in any class,” he said.

Background

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Livert has lived in Tennessee, Georgia, New York, and New Jersey, and now lives in Easton, Pennsylvania. His areas of scholarship include the social psychology of cooking, intergroup contact, and the application of psychological evidence to social policy. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) for his extensive work with the Society.

When not in front of the classroom or conducting research, Livert enjoys playing piano, hiking, camping, and biking. He serves as the Main Representative to the United Nations for the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI), is the president-elect of the Psychological Coalition of NGOs at the United Nations, and is a board member of the Community Music School of Allentown.