Congratulations to Kristina Olson, an associate professor of psychology and the director of the UW’s Social Cognitive Development Lab, who is the latest UW recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship – aka a “genius grant.” Kristina’s groundbreaking, long-term studies of transgender and gender-nonconforming children are a fabulous example of how methodologically rigorous research matters by helping to inform policy and support mental health.
Kristina is among this year’s 25 MacArthur fellows and she is in extraordinary company – other fellows include writers and economists, people fighting for social justice and global health, innovators, artists, scientists who are probing the cosmos and journalists who are pursuing truth and accountability.
The MacArthur Fellowship was created to recognize exceptional originality and dedication in creative pursuits, and Kristina’s work with transgender children exemplifies those ideals. Her research is transforming our understanding of their experience and I couldn’t be prouder that she’s both a faculty member at the UW and a member of my home department, UW’s Department of Psychology.
Check out the fascinating work she’s doing and see what her research has uncovered. And be sure to congratulate her when you see her on campus!