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The Affective Development Lab (ADL)

Palo Alto University

Eleanor Palser, PhD

Director, ADL

Director, Pediatric Behavioral Health Emphasis

Assistant Professor

Psychology Department, Palo Alto University

Read Dr. Palser's faculty page here

Read Dr. Palser's faculty spotlight here

Biography

Dr. Eleanor Palser grew up in South Wales, United Kingdom, before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Royal Holloway, University of London, and a Master’s degree in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience from Durham University. Eleanor then completed her multidisciplinary PhD in Clinical Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London (UCL), before moving to the United States for a postdoctoral fellowship in Clinical Affective Neuroscience at UCSF. Eleanor’s lived experience of dyspraxia (AKA Developmental Coordination Disorder) informs her research, as she thinks that a narrow focus on deficits and problems hinders our ability to best support a person. Alongside research, Eleanor has written op-eds and commentaries on representation issues in academia, with a particular interest in supporting those from non-traditional academic backgrounds. She is passionate about collaborating with trainees to help them identify their personal interests and strengths. As the Director for the Pediatric Behavioral Health emphasis at PAU, Eleanor teaches graduate courses on child and adolescent development. In her spare time, you will find Eleanor trail running amongst the northern California redwoods, skiing, and leading her family on imprudently long hikes through the Sierra, often accompanied by her Australian Shepherd, Duke.

Join the ADL at PAU

I am currently accepting doctoral students through the Palo Alto PhD program for the 2026-2027 academic year. Reach out to connect further!

epalser@paloaltou.edu

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