ADVERTISEMENT
University President Minouche Shafik, in her introductory remarks, framed the appointment as a “revolutionary act.” She noted that in a modern world often defined by cynicism and systemic trauma, the study of optimism is not a luxury, but a survival necessity. The “Professor of Optimism” title might sound whimsical to some, but the curriculum behind it is deeply rooted in the science of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Fox will lead a series of high-level seminars that challenge students to view hope not as a fleeting emotion or a passive wish, but as a “cognitive discipline” that can be practiced and strengthened. He will explore how the brain responds to adversity and how a deliberate focus on “the possible” can physically alter a person’s resilience markers.
