Sara Staats

Sara Staats received her Ph.D. from the Ohio State University in experimental psychology. Dr. Staats has major research interests in hope, heroism, functional age and the human-animal bond. She served as professor of psychology from 1989 to 2007 at The Ohio State University at Newark and as coordinator of the Newark Psychology Program from 1995 to 2004. She has taught research and engaged students as co- authors in both presentations and publications. In 2007, Dr. Staats was awarded the Educator of the Year Award by the Ohio Association of Gerontology and Education. Professor Staats was granted Emeritus status in 2007 and continues to pursue an active research program.

Dr. Staats continues to pursue several research interests since her retirement from classroom teaching. Her foremost current research interests are everyday heroism and the human-animal bond. She is associated with research in progress in both of these areas as well as maintaining a continuing interest in aging and well-being. Dr. Staats accepts independent study students with permission.