Jon Westfall

Jonathan E. Westfall, PhD, born 1982, is an award-winning professor, published author, and practicing cognitive scientist. He teaches a variety of courses in psychology, from introduction to psychology to graduate seminars. His current research focuses on the variables that influence economic and consumer finance decisions, as well as retention and persistence of college students. With applications to both psychology and marketing, his work finds an intersection between basic and applied science. His current appointment is as an Associate Professor of Psychology, Coordinator of the First Year Seminar program, and Coordinator of the Psychology program at Delta State University. Previously, at Delta State, he coordinated the Okra Scholars program from 2016-2019, a cohort-model retention program funded through the Department of Education’s First in the World grant. Prior to joining the faculty at Delta State, he was a Visiting Assistant Professor at Centenary College of Louisiana, and the Associate Director for Research and Technology at the Center for Decision Sciences, a center within Columbia Business School at Columbia University in New York City. He now maintains a role with Columbia as a research affiliate / variable hours officer of administration, and technology consultant.

In addition to his research, Dr. Westfall also has career ties in information technology, where he has worked as a consultant since 1997, founding his own firm, Bug Jr. Systems. As a consultant he has developed custom software solutions (including native Windows 32 applications, Windows .NET applications, Windows Phone 7 and Android mobile applications, as well as ASP, ASP.NET, and PHP web applications). He has also served as a senior network and systems architect and administrator (on both Windows and Unix networks, and hybrids) and has also been recognized as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) 2008 – 2012. He has authored several books, and presented at academic as well as technology conferences and gatherings.

In addition to his academic and technological pursuits, Dr. Westfall also is a licensed secular minister, available to officiate weddings and other events, and enjoys knitting and crochet in his spare time.

Dr. Westfall is married to Karey A. Westfall, and both are natives to the midwestern United States. They are doting godparents to Kaden, and Uncle/Aunt to Ryleigh, Ryan, Amelia, Rhett, and Grant.

Dr. Westfall is available for public and private events, speaking on a variety of topics, custom tailoring them to your group. Topics include…

• Psychological Processes involved in Decision Making, Memory, and Learning.
• Behavioral Economics
• Information Technology, programming, and security.
• Self-publishing.
• Blogging, community engagement, and internet marketing for individuals.
• Social networking, tailored specifically to educators or writers.