Susan Nolen-Hoeksema (1959-2013)

Presents an obituary for Susan Nolen-Hoeksema. Susan received her bachelor's degree from Yale University and her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. Her undergraduate and graduate school mentors were Irving Janis, Robert Sternberg, and Martin Seligman. Susan began her career at Stanford University, where she became a tenured associate professor in 1993, and moved to the University of Michigan, where she was promoted to the rank of professor and directed the Institute for Research on Women and Gender. Susan joined the Yale University Department of Psychology in 2004 as a professor and served as its chair and director of graduate studies. Few words can capture Susan's masterful approach to research, which balanced creativity with pragmatism. A pioneer in the study of depression and a leading figure in research on sex differences in depression, she transformed clinical psychology with her research. Raised in the small town of Stonington, Illinois, Susan acquired a decency, kindness, and strength of character that lasted her lifetime. Despite her academic achievements and stature in the field, she treated everyone with respect and dignity. She was remarkable in her ability to support people through difficult circumstances, fairly treat all individuals, and be a kind and dedicated mentor and colleague to those of us fortunate enough to know her. Our field is richer for her presence, and her untimely death is a tragic loss. There could be no better colleague and friend. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved).