Samuel “Sam” Sommers, a distinguished psychology professor and department chair at Tufts University, passed away on March 16, 2025, at the age of 49. His sudden departure has left a profound impact on the Tufts community, where he was celebrated not only for his academic contributions but also for his character and dedication to social justice. This report aims to honor his legacy by detailing his professional achievements, personal attributes, and the indelible mark he left on his colleagues and students.
Sam Sommers joined Tufts University in 2003 as an assistant professor and quickly ascended through the ranks to become a full professor. Over the years, he held multiple terms as chair of the Department of Psychology, where he was instrumental in shaping the curriculum and fostering an inclusive academic environment. He also directed the Racial Diversity & Equity Lab at Tufts, focusing on crucial issues surrounding race, social perception, and prejudice.
Colleagues and students alike have expressed their deep admiration for Sommers, highlighting his exceptional qualities as a teacher and mentor. Bárbara Brizuela, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, recalled her first interactions with him in 2007, noting, “I was immediately impressed by his thoughtfulness, caring, warmth, insight, and commitment to justice.” The sentiment echoed throughout the department, as many described him as a pillar of support and guidance, whose kindness and compassion were evident in every interaction.
Heather Urry, a fellow professor, remarked on Sommers’ equitable approach to teaching and leadership, stating, “He was generous with his time, always thoughtful, exceedingly fair and principled, a fierce advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion.” Lisa Shin, another professor in the department, reflected on the profound impact Sommers had on those around him, saying, “He taught us all so much through both words and actions, and we are truly better people for having known him.” The collective grief felt by his colleagues underscores the deep connections he fostered within the community.
Sommers was an experimental social psychologist whose research primarily revolved around race, social perception, and the intersection of psychology and law. Early in his career, he explored the limits of eyewitness memory and testimony, particularly within the context of criminal justice. His fascination with the interplay between psychology and the legal system was ignited during an undergraduate course at Williams College, leading him to delve into how human dynamics influence courtroom proceedings.
His notable contributions to the field include a 2006 paper published in the Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, which examined the impact of racial diversity on jury decision-making. Sommers found that diverse juries brought a variety of perspectives, leading to fewer mistakes and more thorough discussions, ultimately influencing trial outcomes positively. His insights into the fallibility of memory were further emphasized in a 2008 lecture where he stated, “Memory is not videotape,” highlighting the complexities of eyewitness testimony and its implications for justice.
Sommers’ research also tackled the pressing issue of racism, including a 2011 study that revealed a prevalent belief among white individuals that they were now the primary victims of racial discrimination. In the wake of societal upheaval following George Floyd’s death in 2020, Sommers engaged with students and alumni in discussions about navigating the pandemic and the ongoing fight against racism, emphasizing the importance of recognizing implicit biases without normalizing them.
His most recent work investigated the physiological effects of racism, aiming to understand how experiences of anti-Black racism impact mental and physical health. Sommers was a prolific author, co-authoring textbooks such as Invitation to Psychology and Social Psychology, while also writing accessible books for general audiences, including Situations Matter and This Is Your Brain on Sports.
Beyond academia, Sommers was a devoted New York Yankees fan and enjoyed managing the psychology department’s softball team. He had a fondness for the television series Seinfeld, often incorporating lessons from the show into his lectures, which resonated with students and made learning more engaging.
Sommers earned his Bachelor of Arts from Williams College in 1997 and later obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 2002. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and their daughters, Abby and Sophie, who will undoubtedly carry forward his legacy of kindness, compassion, and commitment to justice.
In conclusion, Samuel Sommers’ contributions to Tufts University and the field of psychology are immeasurable. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of students and faculty, reminding us all of the importance of empathy, equity, and the pursuit of knowledge. As the Tufts community mourns his loss, it is crucial to honor his memory by upholding the values he championed throughout his life.
