Samuel “Sam” Sommers Death: Samuel “Sam” Sommers, a respected psychology professor and chair at Tufts University, passed away unexpectedly on March 16, 2025, at the age of 49, leaving a significant void in the Tufts community. Celebrated for both his academic work and his commitment to social justice, Sommers joined Tufts in 2003 as an assistant professor and quickly became a full professor, serving multiple terms as chair of the Department of Psychology. He directed the Racial Diversity & Equity Lab, addressing vital issues related to race and social perception.
Colleagues and students admired Sommers for his exceptional teaching and mentorship. Dean Bárbara Brizuela recalled being impressed by his thoughtfulness and commitment to justice. Fellow professor Heather Urry noted his fairness and advocacy for equity and inclusion, while Lisa Shin reflected on the positive impact he had on everyone around him.
Sommers was an experimental social psychologist whose research focused on race and the intersection of psychology and law. He studied eyewitness memory and its limitations, influenced by a course he took as an undergraduate. His 2006 paper highlighted how diverse juries made better decisions by incorporating varied perspectives. He also emphasized the complexities of memory in a 2008 lecture, stating, “Memory is not videotape.”
His research addressed racism, including a 2011 study revealing that many white individuals believed they were now the primary victims of discrimination. Following George Floyd’s death in 2020, Sommers engaged in discussions with students about racism and implicit bias. His recent work examined the health impacts of anti-Black racism.
Sommers authored several textbooks and popular books, including Situations Matter and This Is Your Brain on Sports. Outside academia, he was a New York Yankees fan and enjoyed managing the psychology department’s softball team, often referencing Seinfeld in his lectures.
He earned his Bachelor’s from Williams College in 1997 and his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 2002. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and daughters Abby and Sophie. Sommers’ contributions to Tufts and psychology are profound, and his legacy will inspire future generations to value empathy, equity, and knowledge. As the Tufts community mourns his loss, it is essential to honor his commitment to the values he championed throughout his life.
