It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Samuel “Sam” Sommers, a beloved professor and chair of the Department of Psychology at Tufts University, who tragically passed away on March 16, 2025, at the age of 49. Sam’s death marks a devastating loss not only for his family but also for the entire Tufts community and the field of social psychology, where he was known for his passion for teaching, groundbreaking research, and relentless commitment to social justice. Sam’s impact on his students, colleagues, and the broader academic world is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of scholars and advocates for equity, inclusion, and diversity.
Sam’s journey at Tufts University began in 2003, when he joined as an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology. Over the years, he quickly established himself as an extraordinary scholar, an insightful researcher, and an exceptional teacher. His academic career was defined by his dedication to understanding the psychological mechanisms behind social issues, particularly the impact of race, prejudice, and diversity on social behavior. Sam’s commitment to social justice, both in the classroom and in his research, made him a beloved figure within the Tufts community.
In his time at Tufts, Sam rose through the ranks to become a full professor, a position he held with grace and humility. His leadership within the Department of Psychology was marked by his integrity, vision, and dedication to making the department an inclusive space for students and faculty alike. His work extended beyond his own research and teaching; he also served as the director of the Racial Diversity & Equity Lab at Tufts, where he oversaw important research projects focused on the intersections of race, social perceptions, and issues of justice. His ability to foster a sense of community within the department was unparalleled, and his guidance helped shape the careers of countless students and young scholars who had the privilege of working with him.
Sam’s colleagues at Tufts, many of whom worked closely with him for over a decade, expressed their deep sorrow at his passing. Dean Bárbara Brizuela, who worked alongside Sam since 2007, shared her heartfelt condolences, saying, “I, like so many, was immediately impressed by his thoughtfulness, caring, warmth, insight, and commitment to justice. This is a tragic loss, and it will take us all time to process the grief of losing such a pillar of our Tufts community.” Sam’s ability to combine intellectual rigor with empathy and compassion was evident in everything he did, making him a role model to his peers and students alike.
Heather Urry, a professor of psychology at Tufts, remembered Sam as “always thoughtful, exceedingly fair and principled,” adding that he was “a fierce advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion.” Urry described how Sam had an extraordinary ability to lighten serious conversations with his quick wit and sharp intellect, qualities that endeared him to everyone he worked with. His colleagues often cited his humor and generosity of spirit as qualities that made him an irreplaceable presence in the department. Sam’s commitment to fairness and equity was evident not only in his professional work but also in his personal interactions, where he consistently encouraged others to be compassionate and considerate.
Lisa Shin, also a professor of psychology, spoke about Sam’s exceptional perspective-taking skills, which made him an outstanding teacher, advisor, and colleague. “Sam had genuine compassion and phenomenal perspective-taking skills that together made him a stellar teacher, advisor, leader, colleague, and friend,” Shin said. “Each one of us is deeply affected by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, and it feels difficult to comprehend how we will manage to function going forward. However, Sam would have wanted us to forge ahead, fighting for what is right and showing kindness and respect to others, and I feel confident that we will do just that.” This sentiment was echoed by many of Sam’s colleagues, who spoke of how his leadership, kindness, and dedication to others made him a beacon of light within the Tufts community.
In addition to his extraordinary leadership and teaching, Sam’s research was groundbreaking and influential in the field of social psychology. His academic work focused on the psychology of race, prejudice, and group diversity, with a particular emphasis on how these factors intersected with the legal system and public life. Early in his career, Sam investigated the reliability of eyewitness testimony, a topic that would become a hallmark of his research. His exploration of the intersection between psychology and law, particularly in the context of racial diversity, helped bridge gaps in understanding within both fields.
In 2006, Sam published a pivotal paper in the Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, where he explored the role of racial diversity in jury decision-making. His research demonstrated that diverse juries made fewer mistakes and approached decisions more thoughtfully, underscoring the importance of diversity in ensuring just outcomes in the legal system. This paper had a significant impact on how diversity in decision-making groups was understood and helped shape conversations about the value of diversity in various contexts, including legal proceedings.
In 2011, Sam’s work took a provocative turn with his paper titled “Whites See Racism as a Zero-Sum Game that They Are Now Losing.” This research explored the psychological mechanisms behind perceptions of racial discrimination and how these perceptions were shaping public attitudes and discourse. The paper examined the emotional and psychological impact of racism, providing critical insights into how these issues played out in contemporary American society. Sam’s research in this area continued to evolve, with a particular focus on the physiological and health-related impacts of racism, which contributed to the growing field of research on health disparities among Black Americans.
Beyond his academic publications, Sam’s work was deeply connected to his commitment to social change. In response to the killing of George Floyd in 2020, Sam and his colleague Keith Maddox organized an online discussion titled Navigating the Pandemic: Knowledge, Resilience, Civic Purpose and Engagement, which focused on the intersection of racial injustice and public health. The conversation aimed to provide a platform for students and alumni to discuss the social and psychological impacts of racial injustice during a global health crisis. Sam’s commitment to public engagement and social change was evident in his efforts to connect his research to real-world issues, and his willingness to engage with difficult social topics made his work relevant and impactful.
Sam’s contributions extended beyond academia. He authored several books, including Situations Matter: Understanding How Context Transforms Your World and This Is Your Brain on Sports: The Science of Underdogs, the Value of Rivalry, and What We Can Learn from the T-Shirt Cannon, which explored the psychology of sports and human behavior. He was an avid New York Yankees fan and enjoyed playing for the psychology department’s softball team, where his competitive spirit and love for teamwork shone through.
Sam’s academic journey began with his undergraduate studies at Williams College, where he developed an interest in the intersection of psychology and law. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 2002, and over the years, he received numerous accolades for his contributions to the field, including the Saleem Shah Award for Early Career Excellence from the American Psychology-Law Society in 2008. His work, both scholarly and personal, will continue to resonate for years to come, as it has profoundly shaped the way social psychology is applied to issues of justice, race, and society.
Sam is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and their daughters, Abby and Sophie. His family, colleagues, and students are left to mourn the loss of a brilliant mind, a compassionate leader, and a cherished friend. His legacy as an educator, researcher, and advocate for social justice will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of working with him. As the Tufts community grapples with this tremendous loss, Sam’s impact will remain, both in the research he conducted and in the countless lives he touched.
In this difficult time, we extend our deepest condolences to Sam’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his extraordinary life. His memory will live on in the work he did, the students he mentored, and the values he instilled in those who knew him. Rest in peace, Sam Sommers—you will be greatly missed, but your legacy will endure forever.
