Department of Psychology Leadership Transition

Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026

Dear Dietrich College Faculty, Staff and Students,

Susanne Ferber has informed me of her plans to step down from her role as head of Dietrich College’s Department of Psychology at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 academic year.

We are grateful for Susanne’s leadership. Since joining CMU in August 2024, she has fostered a welcoming, collaborative culture where new faculty feel supported. During her tenure as head, the Department has implemented significant changes to both the undergraduate and graduate curricula to enhance the student experience. While serving as head, Susanne continued her research exploring the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying the awareness of perception.

Susanne plans to return to the University of Toronto, where she previously served as a faculty member from 2002 to 2024.

We will soon launch an international search for a new head of the Department of Psychology to ensure continuity in leadership.

Best

Cassidy R. Sugimoto
Bess Family Dean