Sonja Lyubomirsky

Sonja Lyubomirsky is a Distinguished Professor and Vice Chair of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside. Originally from Russia, she earned her A.B., summa cum laude, from Harvard University and her Ph.D. in Social & Personality Psychology from Stanford University. Lyubomirsky currently teaches courses in social psychology and the science of well-being. She is recognized for her teaching and mentoring, having received two Faculty of the Year awards and a Faculty Mentor of the Year award.

Lyubomirsky's research on the possibility of permanently increasing happiness has earned her Fellow status from three different scientific societies, the Diener Award for Outstanding Midcareer Contributions in Personality Psychology, the Christopher J. Peterson Gold Medal, the Distinguished Research Lecturer Award, and a Templeton Positive Psychology Prize. Her research has been supported by multiple prestigious grants, including a million-dollar grant from the National Institute of Mental Health, the John Templeton Foundation, Character Lab, and NIH.

Lyubomirsky is the author of the best-selling books "The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want" and "The Myths of Happiness: What Should Make You Happy, but Doesn’t, What Shouldn’t Make You Happy, but Does," which have been published in 36 countries. Her expertise and insights have been featured in numerous media outlets worldwide. Additionally, she offers a free online course in happiness and has delivered lectures to diverse audiences globally, including business executives, educators, and mental health professionals. Her speaking topics cover a wide range of subjects such as happiness, positive psychology, mental health, stress, well-being, and work-life balance, incorporating practical insights and humor to engage her audience.