Shelley Taylor: Clifton Strengths Prize

We received news last week that Shelley Taylor is the inaugural recipient of the Clifton Strengths Prize.  This new prize, as summarized in the news release from UCLA, below, "recognizes the life and work of Donald O. Clifton, past chairman of The Gallup Organization. The prize, which will be presented every two years, recognizes groundbreaking theory, research and practice in 'strengths-based psychology.' Clifton's philosophy was for people to focus on what was positive and right with themselves and to build on their strengths to achieve their full potential, Gallup said. Taylor's research showing how a supportive environment reverses the impact of a genetic risk factor is an example of the work for which she was honored."  More information on the research by Shelley and her UCLA collaborators, including Naomi Eisenberger and Rena Repetti from this Department, that led to this award is provided in the news release, below.

The Clifton Strengths Prize was presented to Shelley at a banquet in Washington, DC, and a movie was made, too, which we may all need to see.  A particularly noteworthy feature of the award is that it carries a cash prize of $250,000 (!).

Congratulations, Shelley!