Jason Moser named New Associate Dean of Research for the College of Social Science
August 18, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Congratulations to Jason Moser on being named the new Associate Dean of Research for the College of Social Science. Dr. Moser began this new role on August 16, 2025; succeeding Dr. Anna Maria Santiago, who has served the college as Senior Associate Dean for Research and Strategic Initiatives. Dr. Santiago will be returning to her research.
“Jason brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and expertise in research to the Associate Dean of Research role,” said Dean Brent Donnellan. “I have every confidence he will help us advance the research and outreach missions of the College of Social Science as we seek to advance knowledge and improve lives through our research and scholarship.”
Dr. Moser is currently a professor of psychology, kinesiology, and neuroscience. His research interests focus on how people rebound from mistakes, resist distraction, and manage negative emotions.
“Stepping into this role is the culmination of years of conducting my own research and supporting the training and research of my students and postdocs. At this stage in my career, I am both prepared and excited about providing support and guidance to other investigators across the College,” said Moser. “I am eager to help set priorities and focus areas that will continue to elevate the knowledge and impact our Social Science research generates, benefiting individuals, groups, and communities in Michigan and beyond.”
He has spent over two decades examining how these critical functions play a role in the development, maintenance, and treatment of anxiety, stress and trauma using a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches spanning psychology and related social sciences, psychiatry, physiology, neuroscience, and kinesiology.
Dr. Moser earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Pennsylvania State University. He earned his master’s degree and doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the University of Delaware.
Dr. Santiago joined the College of Social Science as Professor of Social Work in 2015. She was previously appointed Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in January 2018. For more than two decades, Dr. Santiago has conducted research that examines the importance of place on the economic opportunities and life chances available to low-income Latinx African American and Vietnamese families and their children. Her latest research focuses primarily on how federal, state and local housing policies and programs serve as vehicles for community and social development in the United States and in Scandinavia. Dr. Santiago is currently the Editor-in-Chief emerita of the Journal of Community Practice. She has done outstanding work for the College and university as she leaves an impressive legacy characterized by extraordinary creativity, innovation, advocacy, as well as an unwavering commitment to her role as an academic leader.