Cognitive Scientist.
Creativity Researcher.
Author.
Creator.
Cat Mom.
Jessica’s research focuses on the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship, and human potential — exploring who creates, why they create, what they create, and how modern shifts, like AI and social media, are threatening the creative act.
Explore the work I’m doing at the Center for Human Creativity
Hi! I’m
Jessica.
I’m an author, researcher, and educator working at the intersection of psychology, creativity, entrepreneurship, and human potential. I began my career as a Neuroscience & Psychology Research Fellow at the National Institutes of Health before moving into the startup and venture ecosystem, where I studied the minds of entrepreneurs and creatives alongside building businesses with them. I served as Head of Innovation at the American Psychological Association for five years. I’m the author of Wired This Way (Chiron Publications) and Full Color (forthcoming), and am currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology, where my research centers on creativity, authenticity, meaning, and the challenges technology poses to the creative act. I write, speak, and teach at universities and organizations around the world. As for Jessica the human, I love animals, philosophy, and watercoloring (poorly).
NIH Neuroscience & Psychology Research Fellow
Head of Innovation, American Psychological Association
Adjunct Professor, NYU · Expert in Residence, Georgetown
TED Speaker
Author, Wired This Way & Full Color
Startup & VC Alum
PhD Candidate in Psychology
Research
Focus
Areas
Creativity
I study the psychology of authentic creativity and the forces that threaten it: self-censorship, conformity, extrinsic motivation, social anxiety, and beyond.
Entrepreneurship
I map the minds of entrepreneurs: their wiring for sensation-seeking, curiosity, achievement, passion, and other productive yet often combustive traits.
Technology
I explore the threats technology poses to human creativity — from the algorithmic pressures of social media to the question of AI-generated 'creativity.'
Current
Research
01
Beyond Originality & Effectiveness: The Conceptualization & Development of an Authentic Creativity Scale
Develops and validates the Authentic Creativity Scale — measuring whether a creative work reflects the creator who brought it into being, and whether a work's authenticity influences the meaning, satisfaction, inspiration, and emotion felt by creators and audiences.
02
The Censorship Paradox: Does Disinhibition Increase Self-Censorship Online?
Tests the counterintuitive hypothesis that exposure disinhibited online environments leads creators to self-censor more by heightening fear of negative evaluation.
03
The Creator Dilemma: Inauthenticity & the Psychological Costs of AI-Assisted Creative Expression
Examines whether using generative AI to complete creative work triggers feelings of inauthenticity and negative affect in creators — particularly those for whom creativity is central to their identity.
Testimonials
& Endorsements
The essential user’s manual for the entrepreneurial spirit...I only wish I’d received this profound, comforting guidance when I began my journey.
—Justin McLeod, Founder & CEO of Hinge
Points the way to a healthier life as an entrepreneur, as the first step in any worthy personal or professional pursuit is being honest about one’s own experience.
—Jon Staff, Founder & CEO of Getaway
The shared language we have has enriched our daily interactions, allowing for greater insights to how each of us operate, provoking empathy, confidence and above all, trust.
—Carissa Brady, Partner of Latticework Investment Group
Her sessions are a must for any venture firm or high-horsepower company. We've invited her back a half-dozen times — our founders can't get enough.
—Stephen Hays, Founder & Managing Partner of What If? Ventures
This is a message that should be emphasized in universities, incubators, and institutions responsible for educating the next generation.
—Howard W. Buffett, Philanthropist & Economist
The psychiatrist’s dream come true—clinically robust, empathetic, and actionable.
—Nina Vasan, MD, MBA, Director of Brainstorm: Stanford
Deep insights and a road map for enhancing entrepreneurial success.
—Harris Eyre MD Ph.D., Brain Health Entrepreneur, Neuroscientist & Innovation Diplomat
Like a Canterbury Tales of entrepreneurs, you will soon be walking your journey with fellow pilgrims... she will show you that creativity and disorder go hand in hand.
—Andy Dunn, Co-Founder of Bonobos & Founder at Red Swan Ventures
If you are a parent, you read The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer. If you work with founders, you should read [Carson’s} Wired This Way.
—Osnat Benari, VP, WeWork Labs
An endearing, ageless guidebook for the entrepreneurial spirit.
—Martin Ditto, Founder & CEO, DITTO
A unique formulation of a path to wellness and wholeness for entrepreneurs... she helps us to understand that entrepreneurs are not only people, but people who matter.
—Michael Freeman, MD, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, UCSF
A unique and much-needed perspective on the mental and emotional health challenges faced by those trying to create a new world.
—John Stokes, Founding Partner at Real Ventures
Carson attends to the whole experience of being a creator—not just the photoshopped and edited versions we often see in the media.
—Luke Arthur Burgis, Professor at Catholic University & Author of Wanting
Refreshingly unravels the oft-repeated platitude ‘bring your whole self to your work.
—Jessica Straus, Venture Partner at Dundee Venture Capital & Kauffman Fellow
Part self-exploration, part examination of the creative spirit, and part manifesto. But the sum is even greater than the excellent parts.
—Allen Gannett, Founder of TrackMaven & Author of The Creative Curve
She provides a clear message to any aspiring entrepreneur that IT IS OK TO BE YOU.
—Jeff Reid, Founding Director & Professor, Georgetown University Entrepreneurship Initiative
Should not only be required for anyone that aspires to build products in the 21st century, but also for those people who work with them...insights are relatable and rare.
—Chris Messina, Inventor of the Hashtag
A user-manual for the creative mind, and a guide for those who live in their wake.
—Jason Silva, Futurist & Former Host of Host Brain Games
If you are an entrepreneur, you MUST read this book if you want to understand yourself and succeed in business... you can’t afford not to.
—John Gartner, Ph.D., Author of The Hypomanic Edge
Carson demonstrates the complexity of a creator’s mind...composed harmoniously to shape a beautiful work of art. Breathtaking.
—Christian Busch, Ph.D. Faculty at NYU & Author of The Serendipity Mindset
