Robert E. Kraut

Robert E. Kraut is an American social psychologist specializing in research on human-computer interaction, online communities, internet usage, group collaboration, and the application of computers in organizations. He is the Herbert A. Simon Honorary Professor of Human-Computer Interaction at Carnegie Mellon University. Kraut earned his Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Yale University and his bachelor's degree from Lehigh University. His career spans academia and industry, with teaching roles at the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University, as well as researcher positions at Bell Labs and Bell Communications Research (Bellcore). His research focuses on understanding and enhancing the success of online communities, studying the impact of the internet on daily life and social relationships, and applying psychological theories to technology design. He has been inducted into the CHI Academy and recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to research.

• 1993 – Present·Carnegie Mellon University·Professor
  • Teaching and researching in the fields of social psychology and human-computer interaction.
• 1984 – 1993·Bell Communications Research (Bellcore)·Research Scientist, Behavioral Sciences Group
  • Conducted research on interpersonal communication and behavioral sciences; served as the director of Interpersonal Communication Research.
• 1980 – 1983·Bell Labs·Visiting Scientist
  • Participated in research within the interface planning group.
• 1974 – 1981·Cornell University·Professor
  • Taught social psychology.
• 1972 – 1974·University of Pennsylvania·Professor
  • Taught social psychology.

• 1973·Yale University·Ph.D.
  • Social Psychology
• 1968·Lehigh University·B.A.
  • Social Psychology