March 30, 2012
Professor who combines background in computer science with psychology to head the psychology department
Submitted by Communications and Marketing
A psychologist whose research draws on his computer science background will be the new head of the department of psychology.
Michael Young is joining the faculty this summer, when he will succeed Jerry Frieman, professor of psychology.
Young comes to K-State from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. His research interest is in studying decision making in simulated dynamic environments like those found in video games.
Young began his career as a computer scientist specializing in artificial intelligence, having earned bachelor's and master's degrees in computer science. He later earned his doctorate in experimental psychology from the University of Minnesota/Twin Cities.
His research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, National Institute on Drug Abuse and the U.S. Air Force. He is a fellow of the American Psychological Association, Division 3.