Holly Shablack, assistant professor of cognitive and behavioral science at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, passed on April 14 after suffering from cancer. She was 35 years old.
A native of Maryland, Dr. Shablack received her bachelor’s degree in brain, behavior, and cognitive sciences with a minor in linguistics from the University of Michigan. She went on to earn her master’s degree and a Ph.D. in social psychology and quantitative psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a scholar, Dr. Shablack studied the relationship between socio-cultural factors and language and how they shape and influence attitudes, emotions, behavior, and emotional and physical health.
After two years teaching as a visiting assistant professor at Oberlin College in Ohio, Dr. Shablack joined the faculty at Washington and Lee University in 2022. She taught courses related to health psychology, statistics and research design, data science, language, culture, and emotion. Dr. Shablack was a member of the university’s Community-Based Learning Collaborative and the Roger Mudd Center for Ethics Ethical Reasoning in Action Faculty Learning Community, and she served on Public Functions and Student Affairs Committees.
“Holly elevated listening to an artform, approaching others with genuine curiosity, compassion and kindness,” said Julie Woodzicka, William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Cognitive and Behavioral Science and department head. “She had a remarkable ability to make those around her feel seen and heard. Students spoke enthusiastically about how her guidance and availability supported them both in and beyond the classroom. Holly made our department a better place, and she will be deeply missed.”
Washington and Lee’s department of cognitive and behavioral science is establishing the Holly Shablack Memorial Award in Dr. Shablack’s honor. The award will be presented annually to a student who exemplifies Dr. Shablack’s generosity of spirit.