Marilynn Brewer

Marilynn B. Brewer (Ph.D., Northwestern University, 1968) is a prominent American social psychologist. She is now professor emeritus of psychology at Ohio State University and currently resides at the University of New South Wales. She was formerly Professor of Psychology and Director of the Institute for Social Science Research at UCLA.
Biography.
In 1942, Brewer was born in Chicago, Illinois as Marilynn Bolt. In 1966, she married Robert Brewer. Her parents both did not attend college but encouraged her to pursue her education. Brewer received her Bachelors of Arts in Social Sciences in 1963 from North Park college with honors. She was greatly influenced and encouraged by her mentor, Jean Driscoll. Brewer received the National Institute of Mental Health Fellowship to fund her graduate education at Northwestern University.
Brewer served as President of the American Psychological Society from 1993-1995, Midwestern Psychological Association in 2004, Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues in 1984-1985, and the Society for Personality and Social Psychology from 1990-1991. She has also served as Editor of Personality and Social Psychological Review and Associate Editor of the Psychological Review.
Research.
Brewer is well known for her contributions to the field of social identity and has also conducted research in the areas of social cognition and intergroup relations. While she is particularly recognized for her theory of optimal distinctiveness, she has been honored by a variety of organizations for wide-ranging and diverse contributions to the field of social psychology.