Dr Michele J Gelfand is a Professor of Psychology and affiliate of the RH Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, where she co-founded The Culture Lab. The Culture lab investigates social and organizational psychology and the decision sciences.

Dr Gelfand's particular interests include the evolution of societies and cultures, with regard to cultural norms, conflict and diversity. Her research is widely published and highly cited. Dr Gelfand has an H index of 70.

Recent election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is a marker of the esteem Dr Gelfand is held in. She is Past President of the International Association for Conflict Management and Past Division Chair of the Conflict Division of the Academy of Management.

Dr Gelfand serves on numerous editorial boards, contributes her expertise to The Conversation, and has spoken about her work in media such as The Guardian and Boston Globe.