Omid Fotuhi

Research Associate,

Research Interests

A surge of multi-disciplinary research has demonstrated the increasingly vital importance of non-cognitive factors in predicting long-term success and well-being in myriad important domains, such as health, athletics, and education. Existing research provides strong evidence that the way people react to challenge and interpret early difficulties can have a large effect on long-term success. Most relevant, interventions that redirect maladaptive beliefs about challenges and setbacks can improve persistence, performance, and well-being. My goal in my work is threefold: (1) to identify psychological barriers that interrupt performance and achievement; (2) to design, implement, and evaluate precise psychological interventions to mitigate the limiting effects of psychological vulnerabilities; and(3) to bridge the gap between research and practice in important motivational domains.

College Teaching & Learning Improvement Science

Related Research Areas

Educational Opportunities, Equity, & Attainment Improvement Research in Education

Recent Publications

Walton, G. M., ... Fotuhi, O., et al. (2023). Where and with whom does a brief social-belonging intervention promote progress in college? Science.

Sinsheimer, A., Fotuhi, O., Val, A., & Willett, C. (2023). Fostering Resilience and Engagement in Law Students. Holloran Center Professional Identity Implementation Blog. 

Fotuhi, O., Ehret, P. J., Kocsik, S., & Cohen, G. L. (2022). Boosting college prospects among low-income students: Using self-affirmation to trigger motivation and a behavioral ladder to channel it. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

Osai, E., Campbell, S., Maraj, L., Scott, K., Evans-Williams, J., Fotuhi, O.,& Bañales, J. (2021). Improving educational opportunities for black youth in Pittsburgh: a justice-centered intervention. Pitt Momentum Fund 

John-Henderson, N.A., Wright, R.C., Manke, K.J.,& Fotuhi, O., Zuckerman, B., Nally, L., & Mueller, C.M. (2021). The influence of health mindset on perceptions of illness and behaviors among adolescentsInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 28(1)

Omid Fotuhi's Google Scholar profile

News and Awards

LRDC Research Associate Omid Fotuhi was featured in a January 1, 2024, Associated Press article. Fotuhi is the Director of Learning Innovation at Western Governors University Labs and a research associate at Pitt.

January 8, 2023

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Omid Fotuhi, LRDC Research Associate, was featured in the May 4 Science Magazine for his and colleagues' research "Where and with whom does a brief social-belonging intervention promote progress in college?" in Science. The Stanford News also released a story on the research.

May 22, 2023

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LRDC Research Associate Omid Fotuhi was featured in a January 17 Pittwire article "Struggling with your New Year’s resolutions? There’s still hope, say these Pitt experts."

January 23, 2023

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Omid Fotuhi was featured in Pittwire Article " "How Reflective Writing and a Nudge from an App Increased College Prospects for Low-income Students."

April 25, 2022

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Kudos to Omid Fotuhi for moving into phase three of the revamped Pitt Seed initiative. His project, Netlfix for Student Services, will receive $2,000, and he will participate in training sessions over the next 10 weeks to learn to navigate logistical problems. He is also co-leading the Pitt Seed Initiative Grant lead by Ann Sinsheimer, School of Law: Fostering Psychological Resilience and Increasing Engagement in Law Students Through Tailored, Targeted, and Well-Timed Interventions.

March 28, 2022

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[Person photo]

Contact

511 MURDC

omidf@pitt.edu

(412) 624-7067

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