Julie Schermer named as a Western University Faculty Scholar for 2020.

April 09, 2020

Julie Schermer, Professor, DAN Department of Management & Organizational Studies

Julie Schermer, professor in the DAN Department of Management & Organizational Studies, has been named as a Western University Faculty Scholar for 2020.

Schermer researches personality psychology, specializing in broadening the understanding of individual differences at the observed, genetic and environmental levels. Schermer recently received local, national, and international media coverage for her article co-authored with Nicholas Martin in Australia that addresses the genetic component of loneliness in adults.

“I feel great about being named as a Faculty Scholar. It is an honour to have my research output recognized. I also think it is good for our department such that people are aware that MOS contributes to the faculty,” said Schermer. This is the second Faculty Scholar named in DAN Management; in 2017, Mark Cleveland, Associate Professor, received the award.

The Faculty Scholar award recognized significant scholarly achievements in teaching and research.
Schermer has developed and taught eight different courses for DAN Management, which include many of the Human Resources courses. Through her efforts, she ensures the department maintains its accreditation with the Human Resources Professional Association, which is of great benefit to the department and its students.

“Balancing teaching and research is very hard because I don’t teach what I research. Therefore to cover both areas, I work whenever I can,” said Schermer.

Schermer has served in many roles inside and outside the university, including as Acting Chair for the department, and as chair of the Social Science nominating committee for the past seven years. In 2019, Schermer was named as the President of the International Society for the Study of Individual Differences. She is the youngest, and the first female, President of the Society.

Schermer has an impressive research record, with more than 100 peer-reviewed articles published, which includes 16 that were published since the beginning of 2019. Through her research, Schermer has had many research firsts, including being the first to demonstrate that many personality traits have a genetic correlation with measured intelligence based on a sample of North American twins, a study demonstration that humour styles were linked to dimensions of borderline personality disorder, and research showing that the “Dark Triad” of personality traits may come from a common genetic factor.

Established in 2005, the Faculty Scholars Award recognizes significant recent scholarly achievements in teaching or research. Nominated by faculty deans and selected by the Faculty Selection committee chaired by the Provost, the recipients have an international presence in their discipline and are considered all-round scholars. Winners hold the title “Faculty Scholar” for two years and receive $7,000 each year for scholarly activities, as well as receiving a citation.