Dr. Kenneth Carter is Charles Howard Candler Professor of Psychology at Oxford College of Emory University and the founding director of the Emory University Center for Public Scholarship and Engagement. He served as the interim dean of Oxford College from 2022-2023. A graduate of Oxford College and Emory University, Carter received an MA and PhD in psychology from the University of Michigan. After completion of his doctoral work, he also earned an MS in psychopharmacology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and gained board certification as a clinical psychologist. He is the author of several textbooks including Psychopathology: Understanding Psychological Disorders (Cambridge University Press) and the forthcoming Living Psychology (SAGE Publications). He has published in both academic and lay publications, translating psychology research into engaging everyday language. His articles have been published in magazines such as Psychology Today and Women’s Health, and he has appeared on news programs such as CNN Tonight, NPR’s: ShortWave, All Things Considered, and NBC’s Today show. The psychology of thrill-seeking is the current focus of Dr. Carter’s research. He has delivered TEDx talk on thrill-seekers and is the host of Mind of a Motorhead an NBC Sports web series that examines the personalities of motorsport athletes. His most recent book is Buzz!: Inside the Minds of Thrill-Seekers, Daredevils, and Adrenaline Junkies (Cambridge University Press). When not teaching, speaking, or writing, Dr. Carter prefers reading and relaxing on the beach rather than wingsuit flying or BASE jumping.
Dr. Kenneth Carter
Psychologist (United States)
Research Interests
- Psychopathology and clinical assessment
- Clinical psychopharmacology for mental health professionals
- Sensation-seeking and risk-taking behavior
- Integration of biological and psychological treatment approaches
- Mental health education and public scholarship
Selected Publications
- Psychopathology: Understanding Psychological Disorders (Cambridge University Press)
- Buzz!: Inside the Minds of Thrill-Seekers, Daredevils, and Adrenaline Junkies (Cambridge University Press)
- Learn Psychology (with Colleen Seifert, Jones & Bartlett Learning)
- Living Psychology (with Colleen Seifert, forthcoming, SAGE)
- Peer-reviewed research including publications in PLOS ONE and Cochrane Database reviews
Professional Affiliations
- American Psychological Association
- Association for Psychological Science
- Society for the Teaching of Psychology
- Neuroscience Education Institute
- Society for Prescribing Psychology