Get inside the head of this psych professor

It seems unlikely that a senior lecturer and adjunct research professor studying biopsychology, neuroethology, behavioral neuroendocrinology, and the neurochemical basis of birdsong production was once a three sport all-star in high school. But our very own Dr. Stephen Drigotas, a highly acclaimed and well-known psychology professor, fits this profile.

Dr. Drigotas, a Maine native, spent his undergraduate years at Bowdoin, a small liberal arts college in Brunswick, Maine. His passion for what he currently teaches came early, as his studies were heavily centered in psychology and sociology. Drigotas received his PhD in social psychology at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, finishing his studies in 1993.

While his Baltimore-native wife worked as a clerk for a judge in Maryland, Drigotas worked as an adjunct lecturer from 1993 to 1994 at Johns Hopkins. After his brief stint at Hopkins, he traveled to Dallas, where he was an assistant professor at Southern Methodist University.

Soon after his tenure at SMU, Drigotas's wife decided to accept the position as advisory attorney at the treasury department in Washington, D.C., and the couple moved back to Maryland. After approaching the Johns Hopkins psychology department, Drigotas was offered a position as a faculty member.

Dr. Drigotas teaches a handful of popular courses, including Introduction to Psychiatry and Social Psychology. He also lectures in advanced social seminars and leads an upper level course called Intercourse and Relationships. Dr. Drigotas he has concentrated his own research in interpersonal relationships. As his third year as a faculty member approaches, Drigotas has grown into a respected and cherished figure among the student body.

Drigotas explains that he tries to interact with his students by illustrating concepts through personal stories of himself and his family. Sometimes, he says, self-deprecation works well also. "I'm human," he says, "and I make humanity a part of how I teach."

Drigotas feels that Hopkins students are motivated and well prepared. "The students have a good attitude about coming to class," he says. He does not see where the excessively driven and overly competitive reputation of Hopkins student applies, since he thinks that the students work hard in a positive and dedicated manner.

Drigotas has come to like Baltimore, particularly because his wife's family is here. Once a dedicated supporter of the Red Sox, he is now a converted Orioles fan. The professor enjoys the warmer summers and likes to spend time with his five and seven year-old daughters.

When asked about the future, Drigotas says that he will most likely continue with his research and teaching. He hopes to move up in the department, and to continue to be a helping hand for those he aids with the graduate school application process.