Why is it so easy to remember the lyrics to an old song — but so hard to recall something you just heard or read seconds ago? A University of Houston professor examines how the brain briefly stabilizes new information and why switching tasks too quickly can make it vanish.
Dr. Thema Bryant, renowned psychologist, author of "Matters of the Heart", and former president of the American Psychological Association, delivered the Spring 2026 John P. McGovern Award Lecture in Family, Health, and Human Values with her JUSTICE of Joy framework.
Register for our 2026 John P. McGovern Endowed Lecture series in collaboration with Afircan American Studies will feature world renown psychologist, author and professor, Dr. Thema Bryant. During this lecture Dr. Bryant will be discussing how our mental health and wellbeing are not just individual aspects; our relationships, families and friends are core to emotional wellbeing. A short reception will follow the lecture.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Bryant’s influence extends far and wide. Her role as the former president of the American Psychological Association in 2023 underscores her commitment to advancing the field of psychology and advocating for mental health equity. Dr. Bryant has reported with CNN, made guest appearances on Oprah Winfrey's podcast, the Dr. Phil Show, and present multiple TedTalks.
Why is it so easy to remember the lyrics to an old song — but so hard to recall something you just heard or read seconds ago? A University of Houston professor examines how the brain briefly stabilizes new information and why switching tasks too quickly can make it vanish.
Dr. Thema Bryant, renowned psychologist, author of "Matters of the Heart", and former president of the American Psychological Association, delivered the Spring 2026 John P. McGovern Award Lecture in Family, Health, and Human Values with her JUSTICE of Joy framework.
Register for our 2026 John P. McGovern Endowed Lecture series in collaboration with Afircan American Studies will feature world renown psychologist, author and professor, Dr. Thema Bryant. During this lecture Dr. Bryant will be discussing how our mental health and wellbeing are not just individual aspects; our relationships, families and friends are core to emotional wellbeing. A short reception will follow the lecture.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Bryant’s influence extends far and wide. Her role as the former president of the American Psychological Association in 2023 underscores her commitment to advancing the field of psychology and advocating for mental health equity. Dr. Bryant has reported with CNN, made guest appearances on Oprah Winfrey's podcast, the Dr. Phil Show, and present multiple TedTalks.
Dr. Beatrice Falcucci (University of Florence) is a postdoctoral scholar who has won a highly competitive Marie Curie Global Fellowship supported by the European Union. This spring, she will work with Dr. Pratik Chakrabarti, and UH will act as an international partner with the University of Florence and Addis Ababa University on the project, “Looking at Italian Africa Nature, Animals and Safari.”