Robert W. Roeser is the Bennett Pierce Professor of Care, Compassion and Human Development at Penn State University. He has a Ph.D. from the Combined Program in Education and Psychology at the University of Michigan (1996) and holds master’s degrees in religion and psychology, developmental psychology and clinical social work. Dr. Roeser’s main research interests focus on adolescent development, school as a main cultural context affecting the holistic development of the person; and on the role of contemplative practices like mindfulness and compassion training in education for adults and students alike.