Sam Sommers Massachusetts Death – The Tufts University community is mourning the loss of Sam Sommers, a beloved psychology professor and chair of the Department of Psychology, who passed away on March 16, 2025, at the age of 49. Sommers, who had been a member of Tufts’ faculty since 2003, was a highly regarded educator, researcher, and colleague, known for his groundbreaking work on race, prejudice, and social perception.
A passionate advocate for justice, Sam Sommers devoted much of his career to understanding the psychological causes and consequences of racism. As the director of Tufts’ Racial Diversity & Equity Lab, Sommers worked tirelessly to explore the intersection of race and social behavior, especially in legal contexts. His research illuminated the complexities of racial bias and prejudice, examining the cognitive and physiological pathways that contribute to inequality and discrimination. Notably, his work on racial diversity in jury decision-making revealed that diverse juries made fewer mistakes and processed information more carefully, a powerful finding that showcased the importance of varied perspectives in the pursuit of justice.
Sommers’ commitment to justice extended beyond his research. His colleagues remember him as a warm and thoughtful mentor who was always ready to lend a hand. “He had genuine compassion and phenomenal perspective-taking skills,” said Lisa Shin, professor of psychology. “Sam taught us all so much through both words and actions, and we are truly better people for having known him.”
As an experimental social psychologist, Sommers’ contributions were both academic and personal. His 2006 paper on the role of diversity in jury decision-making helped shift the conversation on racial representation in the courtroom. He also conducted significant work on the impact of racism on health, exploring how experiences with anti-Black racism contribute to stress and physical illness.
Outside of the classroom and lab, Sommers was a dedicated sports fan, with a particular love for the New York Yankees. He also enjoyed sharing his passion for popular culture, often referencing his favorite TV show, Seinfeld, during lectures to engage students in discussions about human behavior.
Sommers’ passing leaves a void in the Tufts community, but his legacy as an educator and advocate for social change will live on. As Bárbara Brizuela, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, shared, “This is a tragic loss, and it will take us all time to process the grief of losing such a pillar of our Tufts community.”
Sommers is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and their two daughters, Abby and Sophie. He will be remembered for his commitment to equity, his exceptional teaching, and his unwavering dedication to making the world a better, more just place for all.
