Biography
PhD: Georgetown University; MPP: Harvard Kennedy School; BS: University of Iowa
Research Interests: Political Psychology; International and National Security; Leadership
Dr. Kelsey L. Larsen is an Assistant Professor in the School of Politics, Security, and International Affairs (SPSIA), and the Associate Director of UCF’s Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (IC-CAE). Her inter-disciplinary research explores the intersection of stress, trauma, and national security decision-making, with a focus on the feelings and behaviors of American service-members, veterans, analysts, peacekeepers, and leaders. Her work is funded by the National Science Foundation, and published in peer-reviewed journals including Political Psychology, Frontiers in Psychology, Military Medicine, International Peacekeeping, Medical Education, and Armed Forces & Society. She has also published book chapters in the fields of veterans’ mental health and mindfulness programs.
In addition to her IC-CAE work, Dr. Larsen is the co-director of SPSIA’s CRANE lab—a working group that promotes research collaboration and exchange among the next generation of security scholars. In addition to prior service in organizations including the Institute for Women, Peace and Security, the European Union, and the U.S. Department of State, Dr. Larsen has taught political science and methodology courses at Georgetown University, James Madison University, Johns Hopkins University, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
