The Science of Living Well
What does it mean to live a life well lived? This lecture will focus on the latest advances in the science of well-being and self-actualization. Dr. Kaufman will focus on the essential human needs necessary to grow and flourish, the mindset that is essential for self-empowerment, the trait that is most related to human creativity, the latest science of unconditional love, and implications for democracy and society around the world. His talk will help the audience consider their own personal journey to satisfy the fundamental needs of human existence toward a life well lived.
- Date: November 4, 2025
- Time: 4:00 - 5:30 PM
- Location: Bossone Research Center, 3140 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
- Event Contact: LKR49@drexel.edu
Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is a psychologist, coach, professor, keynote speaker, and best-selling author who is passionate about helping all kinds of minds live a creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized life. In 2015, he was named one of “50 groundbreaking scientists who are changing the way we see the world” by Business Insider.
His early educational experiences made him realize the deep reservoir of untapped potential of students, including bright and creative children who have been diagnosed with a learning disability. Dr. Kaufman is among the top 1% most cited scientists in the world for his research on intelligence and creativity.
Dr. Kaufman is a professor of psychology at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential. He hosts The Psychology Podcast and his writings have appeared in The Atlantic, Scientific American, Psychology Today, and Harvard Business Review. Dr. Kaufman is the author and editor of 11 books. In addition to teaching at Columbia, Dr. Kaufman has also been a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and NYU. Dr. Kaufman received a BS in psychology and human computer interaction from Carnegie Mellon, an MPhil in experimental psychology from the University of Cambridge, and a PhD in cognitive psychology from Yale University. He is also an Honorary Principal Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Centre for Wellbeing Science.
Dr. Kaufman is also a mentalist and is classically trained in vocal performance.
Rise Above
This empowering book unpacks the dangerous myths and misleading buzzwords swirling around the popular imagination—revealing the truth about managing our emotions, the double-edged sword of self-esteem, the surprising gifts of sensitivity, and, ultimately, the power each of has to overcome challenges and to shape the course of our own lives.
Urgently needed, Rise Above speaks to what ails us, offering not just empathy, insight, and a dose of humor, but also actionable solutions to own your life and reach your full potential.
Inspiring the next generation
World War II veteran Francis K. Davis Davis joined Drexel University as a Physics professor while also becoming Philadelphia’s first on-air meteorologist at WFIL-TV. Image: The Broadcast Pioneers
The Dr. Francis K. Davis Endowed Lecture was established by a generous alumnus in honor of a beloved and inspiring member of the Drexel faculty, Dr. Francis K. Davis.
The lecture aims to bridge the gap between the arts and sciences by emphasizing the critical role of creativity in scientific inquiry and discovery. This innovative program features a thought-provoking lecture, where a distinguished expert explores the intersections of art and science, alongside a dynamic learning community that encourages cross-disciplinary dialogue and highlights how creative principles can enrich scientific discovery.
Inspired by the timeless analysis of scholarship and humanities, the College of Arts and Sciences presents a dedicated forum in which students, faculty and other members of the Drexel community can engage in spirited discussion, debate and investigation. By integrating artistic perspectives into scientific education, this initiative promises to enrich the learning experience, cultivate innovation, and inspire the next generation of thinkers and creators.
Dr. Francis K. Davis was a pioneering meteorologist, physicist, and educator whose career and impact bridged military service, television, and academia. Davis earned his BS in Physics and Math from West Chester State Teachers College, later completing a MS at MIT and a PhD in Physics from New York University.
During World War II, Davis served in the U.S. Army Air Corps, contributing to the historic D-Day weather forecast and later guiding the first nonstop military flight from Japan to the U.S.
After the war, Davis joined Drexel University as a Physics professor while also becoming Philadelphia’s first on-air meteorologist at WFIL-TV. For 25 years, he was one of the city’s most trusted broadcast weathercasters, introducing radar and live satellite imagery to local television. At Drexel, he rose through the ranks to full professor, chaired the Physics Department, directed the Institute of Environmental Engineering and Science, and later served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Through his service, teaching, and pioneering weather communication, Dr. Davis left a lasting legacy in both science and public engagement.