Psychology Professor Laith Al-Shawaf, Ph.D., was recently awarded the Evolution in the Public Eye (EPE) Award from the University of Michigan for his work in emotion, cognition and personality psychology.
“My work focuses on understanding human emotions as functional systems: what they do, how they work, and why they exist,” said Al-Shawaf. “Emotions are not just feelings; they’re complex functional systems that help us solve problems. More specifically, they are coordinated systems shaped by natural selection that organize cognition, physiology, and behavior in ways that help us navigate recurring challenges. A central takeaway is that to fully understand human behavior, we need to examine it across multiple levels of explanation – what a system is for, how it works, how it develops, and how it is implemented. Clarifying these levels helps make sense of behavior that might otherwise seem confusing or irrational.”
That clarification is a significant part of Al-Shawaf’s work and research.
“A major part of my work is correcting misunderstandings that can slow progress in psychology,” he said. “My work aims to clarify these issues and promote more precise ways of thinking about behavior. Through both research and public communication, I hope to contribute to clearer, more productive conversations about human psychology.”
These efforts were also recognized in his award acknowledgement, with the University of Michigan noting that Al-Shawaf’s work in “communication, podcasting, and debunking of misconceptions make him a leading voice in explaining the complexities of evolutionary science to a worldwide audience.”
“A recurring challenge in psychology is that important concepts are often misunderstood or framed in ways that create unnecessary confusion,” said Al-Shawaf. “Misunderstandings about human behavior can have big consequences, both in science and in everyday life. I hope this work contributes to a more accurate and coherent understanding of human behavior, both in academic psychology and in public discourse. By clarifying how evolution shapes psychology and how different levels of explanation fit together, the goal is to reduce confusion and contribute to a more precise and comprehensive science of the mind. I also hope it improves how psychological ideas are communicated outside academia, where they are often simplified in ways that can be misleading.”
Learn more about Professor Al-Shawaf and his research online.
About the Evolution in the Public Eye Award
The EPE Award honors outstanding contributions to the public understanding of evolutionary perspectives on behavior. These contributions positively impact our perception and understanding of evolutionary science by communicating accurate, evidence-based information and/or exposing and countering misinformation and misleading claims. Through social media, community blogs, academic outreach, or other forms of science communication, honorees have helped foster more informed and nuanced public discourse about evolutionary science. This award recognizes those whose efforts strengthen the bridge between rigorous research and public understanding, helping ensure that evolutionary perspectives are represented accurately in broader societal discussions.