Name: Jeffrey Sinn
Title: Professor of Psychology
Education: Ph.D., Old Dominion University
M.S. Old Dominion University
B.A., Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minn.
Office: 132 Kinard Hall
Phone: 803/323-2638
E-mail: sinnj@winthrop.edu
Web: http://faculty.winthrop.edu/sinnj
Area(s): Ecological Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Political Theory, Systems
Theory, Environmental Studies
Dr. Sinn graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn., in 1991 with
a deep appreciation for teaching excellence and the intellectual adventures possible
in the liberal arts. He then obtained a Ph.D. in industrial/organizational psychology,
anticipating a career in organizational consulting; however, he so enjoyed his teaching
and research activities that he changed paths and pursued an academic career.
Since coming to Winthrop in 1997, Sinn has taught statistics, and for reasons that
defy logic, still enjoys it immensely, primarily in seeing students tackle a difficult
subject and grow in the process. He also enjoys teaching "The Human Experience" and
"Ecological Psychology," both courses he helped conceptualize and design.
Sinn's current research focus is the psychology of ideology, attempting to understand
why and how people come to understand themselves as conservative or liberal, and how
that identification shapes different values and choices, especially as it relates
to concern for the environment. He works closely with department colleague Matt Hayes,
and together they mentor students as junior colleagues in the research process.
Sinn also has strong interests in the environment, specifically in efforts to rethink
our relationship to the natural world. His "Ecological Psychology" class supports
the Environmental Studies/Science Major, and he works in various ways to support that
major, doing committee work and attending conferences on environmental studies. Among
other issues, he teaches and studies how human psychology enacts and reflects complex
environmental systems related to housing (e.g., suburban sprawl), agriculture, and
consumption. His teaching, writing, and research reflect a strong interest in systems
theory, a means of conceptualizing and intervening in dynamic, emergent, complex organizations.
Sinn resides in Charlotte, N.C., with his wife, young son, and two crazy rescue dogs.
If left to his own devices he would spend much more time doing wood working and swing
dancing.