Finding the Next Einstein

Education

COVID Learning Retention and Improved Gifted Identification

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on April 30, 2026

New research shows that, despite the disruption of COVID-19, in some cases, there may have been learning retention. It also provides ways to improve gifted identification policies.

New research shows that, despite the disruption of COVID-19, in some cases, there may have been learning retention. It also provides ways to improve gifted identification policies.

Cognition

The Science Behind Exploring New Ideas and New Geographies

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on July 7, 2025

A new book explores the science behind why we as humans have often sought to push beyond our current boundaries into the unknown, but also why sometimes we might stay put.

A new book explores the science behind why we as humans have often sought to push beyond our current boundaries into the unknown, but also why sometimes we might stay put.

Education

How Talented Students Fared During and After the Pandemic

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on June 2, 2025

Two recent studies published in "Gifted Child Quarterly," the leading journal in gifted education, examined how talented students fared during and after the pandemic.

Two recent studies published in "Gifted Child Quarterly," the leading journal in gifted education, examined how talented students fared during and after the pandemic.

Education

Can Providing Universal Access to AP Courses Improve Equity?

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on December 6, 2024

A new study of 200,000 students examines the universal AP access policy in Arkansas.

A new study of 200,000 students examines the universal AP access policy in Arkansas.

Motivation

10 Motivation Myths You Probably Believe Are True

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on July 29, 2024

10 myths about motivation and what the science from educational psychology really says.

10 myths about motivation and what the science from educational psychology really says.

Creativity

Codebreaking, Problem-Solving, and Finding Diverse Talent

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on July 23, 2024

In a new book, cybersecurity expert Robert Hannigan emphasizes talent identification, the value of multidisciplinary perspectives, and the importance of diversity of all kinds.

In a new book, cybersecurity expert Robert Hannigan emphasizes talent identification, the value of multidisciplinary perspectives, and the importance of diversity of all kinds.

Career

How Men Can Help Resolve Tensions Between Work and Family

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on April 23, 2024

A conversation with the author of "Family Unfriendly," a new book about how a focus on family, children, and community can help repair the fabric of society.

A conversation with the author of "Family Unfriendly," a new book about how a focus on family, children, and community can help repair the fabric of society.

Education

The Dysfunction of American Schools and How to Restore Them

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on April 8, 2024

What if the quality of the education your child receives largely comes down to luck? This is an idea proposed by Dr. David Steiner in his new book.

What if the quality of the education your child receives largely comes down to luck? This is an idea proposed by Dr. David Steiner in his new book.

Sport and Competition

People Playing Pickleball Who End Up in the Emergency Room

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on March 5, 2024

A new study examines what types of injuries and how age might relate to whether pickleball players end up in the emergency room.

A new study examines what types of injuries and how age might relate to whether pickleball players end up in the emergency room.

Religion

The Struggle for a More Open Society in China

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on January 9, 2024

Pulitzer Prize winning author Ian Johnson documents and tells the stories of seemingly ordinary people pushing for change in China.

Pulitzer Prize winning author Ian Johnson documents and tells the stories of seemingly ordinary people pushing for change in China.

Cross-Cultural Psychology

The Importance of Free Speech Culture

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on November 30, 2023

A conversation about the importance of free speech culture and how best to support it.

A conversation about the importance of free speech culture and how best to support it.

Fear

The History and Psychology of Fear Can Inform Our Future

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on November 1, 2023

A conversation with Robert Peckham about his new book “Fear: An alternative history of the world,” and how the psychology of fear helps explain our past, present, and future.

A conversation with Robert Peckham about his new book “Fear: An alternative history of the world,” and how the psychology of fear helps explain our past, present, and future.

Attention

Is Getting Through Life Increasingly About Not Getting Scammed?

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on July 17, 2023

The new book "Nobody’s Fool" can teach us how to not get scammed.

The new book "Nobody’s Fool" can teach us how to not get scammed.

Politics

Taking the Turtle Approach to Public Policy Change

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on May 23, 2023

Seemingly small changes in a positive direction can add up over time. The book "Gradual" argues for the turtle approach to public policy in a rabbit age.

Seemingly small changes in a positive direction can add up over time. The book "Gradual" argues for the turtle approach to public policy in a rabbit age.

Procrastination

8 Strategies to Conquer Procrastination

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on February 16, 2023

Daniel Willingham explains, “The hard part is consistently avoiding procrastination until you get to the point of work feeling like a habit.”

Daniel Willingham explains, “The hard part is consistently avoiding procrastination until you get to the point of work feeling like a habit.”

Child Development

Learning the Psychology of Xi Jinping to Understand China

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on November 14, 2022

A new book by political scientist Alfred Chan explores Xi’s childhood, career, and decision-making through a multidisciplinary perspective, shedding light on China.

A new book by political scientist Alfred Chan explores Xi’s childhood, career, and decision-making through a multidisciplinary perspective, shedding light on China.

Education

Hybrid Homeschooling and the Future of School

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on December 21, 2021

During the pandemic, many parents ended up working at home and helping with their kids education. It turns out there are many ways education can take place.

During the pandemic, many parents ended up working at home and helping with their kids education. It turns out there are many ways education can take place.

Education

Improving Research Use in the World We Actually Live In

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on September 20, 2021

Carrie Conaway explains how research, practice, and policy can be better integrated.

Carrie Conaway explains how research, practice, and policy can be better integrated.

Education

How Can We Support Asian Americans in Higher Education?

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on August 23, 2021

A new book and interview with author and professor Nicholas D. Hartlep uncover ways we can help support Asian Americans in higher education today.

A new book and interview with author and professor Nicholas D. Hartlep uncover ways we can help support Asian Americans in higher education today.

Media

Productive Disagreement Is a Skill That Can Be Honed

Jonathan Wai Ph.D. on April 26, 2021

What if the key to better discourse is to learn to disagree more productively? Author Ian Leslie sets out some rules for productive disagreement.

What if the key to better discourse is to learn to disagree more productively? Author Ian Leslie sets out some rules for productive disagreement.