My academic background is in cognitive psychology (Ph.D., Stanford University, 1990) and cognitive science (Sc.B., Brown University, 1986). I am currently Professor of Psychology and Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs at The New School, a university in New York City. From 2006-2013 I was dean of the New School for Social Research (the Graduate Faculty of Political and Social Science) at The New School, and from 2014-2020 I was Vice Provost for Research at the university. From 2005-2015 I was editor of the journal Discourse Processes.

I have taught graduate and undergraduate lecture and seminar courses in psycholinguistics, human-computer interaction, research methods, psychology and design, data visualization (visualizing uncertainty), and psychology of music (music and mind, collaborating in and beyond music).

For many years I have collaborated with Frederick G. Conrad, Research Professor at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research and the University of Maryland Joint Program in Survey Methodology, and Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan. He is director of the Michigan Program in Survey Methodology. Together we were awarded the 2013 Warren J. Mitofsky Innovators Award from the American Association for Public Opinion Research.

I am also a classical pianist who specializes in chamber and collaborative music, and in performances that explore how new technologies can enhance audience experience (e.g., the Songs and Light project).