Nicholas Sherwood, Ph.D.
Dr. Nick Sherwood is a peace psychologist and Researcher IV at the Institute for Human Rights (IHR). He brings interdisciplinary expertise in mental health/psychosocial support (MHPSS) in conflict contexts, human rights promotion, and qualitative-participatory research methods. His professional mission is to support human rights defenders and peacebuilding practitioners to be healthier, happier, safer, and more sustainable in their work and lives.
In addition to contributing to IHR’s research, grant-funded programs, and student mentorship, Dr. Sherwood is currently completing a scholarly book project based on his dissertation, a psychological profile of human rights defenders and peacebuilding practitioners across dozens of conflict contexts around the world. His project investigates the psychosocial challenges these actors face in their line of work and the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual sources of resilience they call upon to survive and thrive in perilous environments.
Beyond his academic work, Dr. Sherwood is a seasoned human rights and peacebuilding practitioner as well. He has conducted peacebuilding, trauma healing/resilience-building, and post-conflict reconciliation programming in Eastern Africa, the Middle East/North Africa, and North America (focusing specifically on the Deep South). As a practitioner, he is currently affiliated with Think Peace Learning and Support Hub, the Salama Project, and Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival.
Dr. Sherwood holds a PhD in psychology of conflict analysis and resolution from George Mason University’s Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution Opens an external link.. He holds an MA in anthropology of peace and human rights (APHR ) from UAB, where he was in the inaugural spring 2017 cohort of the APHR program. He also holds a BA in psychology and political science from Christopher Newport University. His research, practice, and teaching have been generously supported by the United States government and foreign ministries, various nonprofit organizations and foundations, corporations, and private donors.