Tal Waltzer
PhD, Developmental Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz
About
Dr. Tal Waltzer is an assistant professor in the department of educational and counseling psychology (division of educational psychology and methodology). Dr. Tal studied psychology and cognitive science as an undergraduate at Rutgers University (2015), then received a PhD in developmental psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz (2022), and worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, San Diego (2022-2025). Dr. Tal values collaboration, interdisciplinary scholarship, mentoring, and translating research into useful outcomes. Faculty affiliate of the AI Plus Institute.
Tal Waltzer personal website
Research Interests
Dr. Tal's research focuses on moral reasoning and cognitive development. Much of this centers on social experiences in youths' everyday lives and how they relate to moral development and decision-making in educational contexts. Some current topics include academic cheating, secrecy, artificial intelligence, and climate change.
Instruction & Advising
Courses
Courses taught include Children’s Learning and Cognitive Development (EPSY 614) and Lifespan Development (EPSY 224).