Joseph Eisman, a third-year educational psychology doctoral student, has a first-authored chapter in the recently published book entitled Mindful Social Studies: Frameworks for Social Emotional Learning and Critically Engaged Citizens. Joseph says he wrote the chapter, "A Framework of Historical Empathy for Social and Emotional Learning: A Perspective-Taking Praxis" with his co-author and advisor, Dr. Tim Patterson, because he is "interested in finding novel ways to embed education with programs that support students' social and emotional competencies, like their empathic abilities." The framework central to this chapter demonstrates empathy by helping learners explore history from the perspective of a historic figure. "First, students examine how they would act during the historic event, before attempting to understand the decisions and actions of the historic figure. Students then reflect on the experience and their empathic abilities."

Joseph came to Temple for the opportunity to work with and be mentored by Dr. Avi Kaplan, whose research interests, theories and methods have inspired him. "I want to thank Drs. Tim Patterson and Avi Kaplan for supporting me. Dr. Patterson trusted my vision for a novel framework that bridged psychology, social studies/history, and social and emotional learning. Dr. Kaplan offered key feedback in the development of the chapter and, without his trust in me, I would not be at Temple! They have both been critical in my development as a burgeoning scholar." Beyond the excellent mentorship he's gotten at Temple, it's been Joseph's own discipline that's gotten him through. When asked what advice he has for early PhD students, he said: "Create a writing schedule and guard it like any other meeting," he said. Words to live by! Congratulations, Joseph, and keep up the great work.