We are delighted to welcome Professor Steve Maren as the Director of the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology!
Can you briefly share your academic and professional background that led you to the Department of Psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign?
I started my journey as a Psychology undergraduate at the University of Illinois that culminated with research for my senior honors thesis at the newly opened Beckman Institute in 1989. I then pursued graduate work in Neurobiology at the University of Southern California, a postdoc at UCLA, before taking a faculty position at the University of Michigan (1996-2012) and later Texas A&M University (2012-2024) before returning as director of the Beckman Institute this year. It has been quite a homecoming!
Looking ahead, what do you hope to achieve during your time at UIUC's Department of Psychology? Are there any long-term goals you're aiming for?
I am excited to join the department and the neuroscience community as I take on a leadership role at Beckman. My major goal is to advance the interdisciplinary research mission at Beckman and the University, broadly, and Psychology and Neuroscience are absolutely integral to this goal!
On a personal note, what do you enjoy doing outside of your academic and professional life? Any hobbies, interests, or experiences you'd like to share?
Spending time with my family is the absolutely highest priority for me. We have spent the first month here exploring the amazing international food scene in C-U. My dog is also the center of attention at home, and demands lots of play and walks!
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