GU Psychology Professor Appointed President of APA Division 5

September 4, 2026 - 08:01

Qiwei He, a psychology professor at Gallaudet University, has been named president of Division 5 of the American Psychological Association, the branch dedicated to quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The appointment recognizes He's extensive work in measurement and statistical modeling, particularly in educational and psychological testing.

He, who joined Gallaudet's faculty after previous roles at several research institutions, has published widely on topics like item response theory, computer adaptive testing, and the use of process data in assessments. Her research often focuses on how people interact with digital test interfaces, which has practical implications for large-scale testing programs used in schools and professional licensing.

The division, formally known as the Society for Research Methods in Psychology, serves as a home for scholars who develop and refine the tools that other psychologists use to gather and interpret data. As president, He will oversee the division's annual program at the APA convention, support early-career researchers, and help shape the group's strategic priorities around methodological rigor and inclusivity.

In a statement, He said she hopes to broaden participation in methods-focused work, especially among psychologists from underrepresented backgrounds. She also plans to encourage more dialogue between quantitative and qualitative researchers, noting that both traditions offer valuable lenses for understanding human behavior. Her term begins in January and runs through the end of 2026.