Kenneth E. Carter, PhD, ABPP
Dr. Kenneth Carter is Charles Howard Candler Professor of Psychology at Oxford College of Emory University. He has published in both academic and lay publications, translating psychology research into engaging everyday language. His articles have been published in magazines such as Psychology Today and Women’s Health, and he has appeared on news programs such as CNN Tonight, NPR’s: ShortWave, and NBC’s Today show. The psychology of thrill-seeking is the current focus of Dr. Carter’s research. He has delivered TEDx talk on thrill-seekers and is the host of Mind of a Motorhead an NBC Sports web series that examines the personalities of motorsport athletes. His most recent book is Buzz!: Inside the Minds of Thrill-Seekers, Daredevils, and Adrenaline Junkies (Cambridge University Press). When not teaching, speaking, or writing, Dr. Carter prefers reading and relaxing on the beach to wingsuit flying or BASE jumping.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
University of Michigan
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
University of Michigan
A.M. in Clinical Psychology
Emory University
B.A. in Psychology
Oxford College of Emory University
A.A.
Fairleigh Dickenson University
Postdoctoral M.S. in Clinical
Psychopharmacology
Alliant International University
Clinical Psychopharmacology
Certifications
Licensed Psychologist #1886 State of Georgia
American Board of Professional Psychology
Board Certified in Clinical Psychology
Appointments
Oxford College of Emory University
Professor of Psychology
Oxford College of Emory University
Associate Professor of Psychology
Oxford College of Emory University
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention
Senior Research Scientist, Epidemic
Intelligence Service
Administrative Experience
Co-Chair, Oxford Forward Task Force
Office of the Provost, Emory University
2015 - Present
President (Elect and Past), Senate
Emory University
2009 - 2011
Chair (Elect and Past) Faculty Council
Emory University
2009 - 2011
Chair, History and Social Sciences
Oxford College, Emory University
2006 - 2007
Editor in Chief, Journal of Cognitive-
Affective Learning
Oxford College, Emory University
2003 - 2008
Selected Oxford College and Emory University Service
Oxford QTM Search Advisory Committee (Chair) 2013-2014
Provost Search Advisory Committee 2012-2013
Oxford Faculty Advisory Committee 2010-2014
University Faculty Council Executive Committee 2010-2011
Provost Faculty Advisory Committee 2010-2011
Faculty Advisory Board | Emory Board of Trustees (chair) 2010-2011
Oxford College Faculty Advisory Committee 2010-2011
Oxford College Honors Implementation Committee 2010-2011
University Academic Leadership Committee 2010-2011
University Faculty Counselors Committee 2010-2011
University Faculty Council 2007-2009
Oxford Anthropology Search Advisory Committee (chair) 2007-2008
University Senate 2007-2009
Oxford College Dean Search Advisory Committee 2004-2005
University Teaching Fund Committee 2001-2007
Previous service include: Emory Ethics Center Board of Advisors, Advisory
Council on Teaching, Emory Master Teacher Program, Faculty Advisory Board
of the Emory University Board of Trustees (chair), Search Advisory Committee
for Director of Student Activities, Search Advisory Committee for Director of
Counseling Center, Information and Technology Committee (Chair), Library
and Visual Aids Committee (Chair), Advisory Council for Teaching Learning
and Professional Development (member), Faculty Development Committee,
Campus Life Committee (Chair), Oxford Institutional Review Board (Chair),
Advisory Council for Teaching Learning and Professional Development
Courses Taught
Introduction to Psychology
Clinical Psychopharmacology
Research Methods in Psychology
Personality of Theories
Psychopathology
Clinical Practicum in Psychology
Special Topics in Psychology (Behavioral Medicine and Health Psychology).
Clinical Experience and Training
Clinical Supervisor, Positive Impact Health Centers
August 2010 - present
Clinical Supervisor, Emory University Psychological Center
August 1996 - Spring 2000
Training, evaluation, and clinical responsibility for psychology graduate
students at Emory’s University sponsored practicum site. Included assessment,
intervention, and ethical aspects of psychological practice.
Psychotherapist, Atlanta Center for Cognitive Therapy
October 1993 - October 1995
Mark Gilson, Ph.D., Supervisor
Individual couples and group psychotherapy. Involved in training program in
cognitive-behavior and interpersonal psychotherapy as well as
psychoeducational outreach activities.
Intern Psychologist, University of Michigan Mood Disorders Program
Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical Center
July 1992 - July 1993
James Coyne, Ph.D., Supervisor
Provided patient evaluation, individual and couples therapy in an outpatient
unit serving a full range of patients with affective disorders including persons
with unipolar and bipolar disorders. Participated in several aspects of ongoing
collaborative research projects. Utilization of a variety of psychological and
psychosocial assessment tools including the Structured Clinical Interview for
the DSM-III-R (SCID) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Participated
in research and methodological discussions and clinical conferences.
Intern Psychologist, Counseling Services, University of Michigan, Ann
Arbor, Michigan
May 1991 - May 1992
Jerry Dowis, Ph.D., Supervisor
Susan Krantz, Ph.D., Supervisor
Provided long and short term counseling for a diverse population of
undergraduate and graduate students. Performed initial intake assessment, crisis
management, treatment, and referral for walk-in and scheduled clients.
Received supervision individually and in a group setting. Explored professional
development and clinical issues in weekly team meetings. Organized and
presented outreach activities in residence halls.
Selected Media Interviews and Talks
Speaker, consultant, and panel participant for events and organizations at the
local level and national level including: NPR, BBC, CNN, Reader’s Digest, The
Atlanta Journal, The Wall Street Journal, BottomLine, NBC News (Today
Show), and the Connect With Kids (CWK) Network.
Invited talks and trainings on psychological concepts such as thrill-seeking,
psychopharmacology, and psychopathology at the local level and national level
including: US Army Medical Command at Fort Bragg, Good Therapy.com,
Howard University Counseling Service, PeaceWay Counseling and Mediation
Services, Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy and Education, East Texas
Behavioral Healthcare Network, Phoenix House Clinics, Anchor Hospital,
Crescent Pines Hospital, Georgia State University Counseling Center, Positive
Impact Clinics, Columbia County Department of Human Services, United
States Army Family Advocacy Program, Pennsylvania Department of
Corrections, Eagle Ranch, Burke Center, Bluebonnet Trails Community
Services, Behavioral Health Professionals of Northwest Ohio, Martin Army
Community Hospital at Fort Benning, Oxford College Counseling and Career
Services
SCHOLARSHIP
—Carter, K. Buzz! Understanding Thrill Seekers and the High
Sensation Seeking Personality. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications
—Carter, K., Seifert, C. (2017). Learn psychology: An introduction Revised
First Edition. Boston, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.
—Carter, K., & Seifert, C. (2013). Navigate Scenarios: Learn Psychology
GameScape. Boston, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.
—Carter, K.E. & Smith, C. (August, 2013). Synaptic snacks: Using food to
teach neuroscience. Poster presented at the American Psychological
Association Convention, Honolulu, HI.
—Hardy, J.A., Friginal, E., Römer, U., & Carter, K.E. (January, 2013).
Understanding the ‘personality’ of psychology student writing. Poster presented
at the National Institute on the Teaching of Psychology, St. Pete Beach, FL.
—Carter, K.E. (August, 2012). The revised classroom learning assessment
survey (CLAS). Poster presented at the American Psychological Association
Convention, Orlando, FL.
—Carter, K., Seifert, C. (2012). Instructors guide to Learn psychology: An
introduction. Boston, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.
—Carter, K., Seifert, C. (2012). Learn psychology: An introduction. Boston,
MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning.
Professional Affiliations
American Psychological Association
Association for Psychological Science
APA Division 2: Teaching of Psychology
Neuroscience Education Institute
American Association for the Advancement of Pharmocotherapy
American Board of Professional Psychology