Colorado State University Psychology Professor Named Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science

Note to Reporters: A photo of Professor Silvia Sara Canetto is available with the news release at http://www.news.colostate.edu/.

Silvia Sara Canetto, a professor of counseling psychology and applied social psychology at Colorado State University, has been named a Fellow by the Association for Psychological Science for her sustained and outstanding distinguished contributions to psychological science.

“Dr. Canetto’s fellowship is especially notable because it was awarded directly by the organization’s governing board – outside of the standard nomination process,” said Ernie Chavez, chair of the Psychology Department at Colorado State. “She has made many contributions to her field.”

Canetto is most well-known, nationally and internationally, for her scholarship on gender and cultural issues in suicidal behaviors. Specifically, she is the leading researcher on cultural meanings and norms of gender and suicidal behaviors. Her suicide research has been prominently featured in scientific and popular press throughout the world. Her 1998 article titled, “The gender paradox in suicide”, was recently found to be the most cited article in the top suicide research journal. Canetto also has an active research program examining gender, socioeconomic and cultural factors in interest, persistence and success in science, with funding from the National Science Foundation.

Canetto was born and educated in Italy. She holds graduate degrees from Italy, Israel and the United States. The author of more than 80 articles and chapters and editor of five books, on a variety of human diversity and psychology issues, she is frequently invited to present her research. Because she knows seven languages, including Italian, English, Spanish, French, Hebrew, Latin and Ancient Greek, when she presents internationally, she typically delivers her lectures in the local idiom. She has been an invited presenter in Belize, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Slovenia, South Africa, and Sweden.

Canetto has been honored with numerous awards by scientific and academic communities. In 1997, she was awarded the American Association of Suicidology’s Shneidman award for early-career, outstanding contributions to suicide research. Since 2000, she has been a Fellow of the American Psychological Association. Canetto has also been recognized for her contribution to education and mentoring, and her dedication to social justice. In 2004, Metro State College of Denver selected her for the Morrow Endowed Lectureship, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to women’s psychology, human diversity education and the promotion of social justice. In 2006, Colorado State Women’s Studies Program honored her with the Hazaleus Award for her long-term contributions to the education and mentoring of women, and her long-term efforts to enhance opportunities for women on college campuses. In 2009, she received the Cermak Advising Award, Colorado State University’s most prestigious award for excellence in graduate academic advising.
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