Bill Chopik is an assistant professor of Psychology at Michigan State University, where he also serves as director of the Close Relationships Lab. His research focuses on how relationships–and the individuals within them–change over time and across the lifespan.

 Bill joined SPSP as a graduate student in 2009 and has since attended and presented at multiple conventions, participated in the 2013 Summer Institute in Social and Personality Psychology, reviewed single-presenter submissions for the 2016 convention in San Diego, and will be reviewing symposia submissions for the upcoming 2019 convention in Portland.

Over the years, Bill has also been a strong financial supporter of our initiatives, giving back in the form of donations to SPSP’s travel, diversity and education funds.


You started donating to SPSP soon after finishing your PhD. Why did you feel it was important to start giving back so early in your career?

I had been the recipient of a lot of benefits as an SPSP member during graduate school, so I thought it was important to give back so that others could also be recipients of those benefits. I like investing in students and their futures, so donating to SPSP was a no-brainer. They look out for students professionally.

Why might other members consider a donation to the Foundation or one of the SPSP funds?

I think it’s important for members to focus on the many things they’ve received from SPSP—the collaborations, the fascinating research, the excellent destinations—and realize that it’s been a great organization the past few years. SPSP is the go-to conference for many people; it’s important to contribute to its sustainability. SPSP always seems to invest funds wisely—mostly through student awards and initiatives.

You have given to several SPSP fundsDiversity, SPUR, Graduate Travel. Is one of these areas closer to your heart than the others?

I think diversity and graduate training are noble goals of SPSP. Again, it gets back to my experience as a graduate student and my desire to help people have a good experience as well. SPSP is a large organization with a lot of moving parts. But I’ve always been pleased at their commitment to the next generation of scholars—whether it is through internships and training opportunities, or lightening the cost of SPSP for students.

If a donation is not in someone's budget, what other ways might a member consider giving back to SPSP?

There are so many other ways to help SPSP. Money certainly isn’t the only way. Members can volunteer to help coordinate the convention, serve on the SPSP board, serve as a SPUR or SISPP mentor, participate in mentoring/professional opportunities, and even encourage their friends who might be able to give. It’s good to be an active citizen in the organizations we value. Being an active citizen means participating in the many opportunities that SPSP provides and helping the organization fulfill its goals.

In what other areas of your life do you make a point of giving back - either financially or with your time?

I find giving back is a sign that I value something. As a result, the things I invest in communicate what I value. For example, I invest a lot of time in mentoring students on how to be good professionals and conduct rigorous science. I try to give financially when I can, but that’s not always possible (being a college professor isn’t the most lucrative job!). But I try to volunteer my time when I can. The hope is that my commitment to causes inspires other people to do the same!

Ready to give back? Learn more about opportunities for volunteering your time and talents to one of our special projects or committees, or consider a financial gift in the form a one-time donation, a monthly contribution or as part of a matching gifts program.