Founding Director
Arthur Markman, Ph.D.
Dr. Markman is the Annabel Irion Centennial Professor of Psychology and Marketing at The University of Texas at Austin. He received his Ph.D. in 1992 from the University of Illinois and worked at Northwestern University and Columbia University before coming to The University of Texas at Austin in 1998. He has written over 125 scholarly works on topics in higher-level thinking including analogical reasoning, decision making, and motivation. Dr. Markman has extensive experience in executive education and consulting. Dr. Markman and his new book, Smart Thinking, were featured on Dr. Phil in January. Most recently, he taped an episode of Game Changers for the Longhorn Network, which aired in late April.
Associate Director
Amy M. Ware, Ph.D.
Amy Ware received her Ph.D. in 2009 from The University of Texas at Austin in American Studies with a focus on the artistry of Cherokee celebrity Will Rogers. Amy acts as a liason between HDO faculty and the public. Contact her to discuss details of the HDO program, American Indian cultural history, or her dog, Rosie.
Senior Administrative Associate
Lauren Lief, MLIS
Lauren Lief received her M.L.I.S. in 2008 from the University of Pittsburgh. She has worked in libraries for more than a decade, and now organizes the administration of the HDO program. Lauren’s research interests include The Beatles, spicy cuisine in the Austin area, and current trends in librarianship.
