We are excited to announce that Dr. Robert Wiley has won the 2025 Thomas Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award in the early career category. Dr. Wiley’s research on the psychology of language — particularly on the weird world of English spelling and language disorders related to spelling and reading — has both captivated students interested in pure science and demonstrated real-world applications that help students see the need for cognitive research. His lab offers a dynamic environment where undergraduate students gain valuable experience in cognitive science and neuroscience, and it has become an essential resource for UNCG students who are considering graduate studies in these fields.
In addition to this honor, Dr. Wiley previously won the James Y. Joyner Alumni Award for Teaching Excellence in 2023-2024. He is well regarded for his commitment to student learning. He previously taught foreign languages to high school students before earning his doctorate in Psychology from the prestigious Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. “The core tenet of my teaching is student-centered learning, which emphasizes students taking ownership of their own learning,” he said.
Our department’s commitment to outstanding teaching and mentoring continues to be recognized. Last year, Dr. Michaeline Jensen also won the Thomas Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award in the early career category, marking back-to-back wins for the Psychology Department.
