Dr. Sarah Townsend

Biography

Sarah Townsend studies the psychological foundations of inequality. Her research reveals dysfunctional behaviors and physiological costs that result when individuals’ cultural norms collide with dominant cultural norms within organizations. She examines these 'cultural divides' as hidden sources of inequality and explores ways to lessen opportunity gaps, ultimately fueling greater cross-group understanding. As the director of the Culture, Diversity, and Psychophysiology lab (CPD Lab) at USC, Dr. Townsend has been recognized for her contributions to the field, including being named a 'Rising Star' by the Association for Psychological Science and 'Professor of the Week' by Poets & Quants. Her work focuses on cross-cultural intelligence, emotional intelligence (EQ), and the implications of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in organizations. Through her research, she aims to foster understanding and collaboration across diverse groups, making significant contributions to both academic literature and practical applications in organizational settings.

Research Interests

Courses