In a world increasingly divided by political, social, and economic differences, Aakash Chowkase is on a mission to foster empathy and compassion. A postdoctoral research fellow at the University of California, Berkeley, Aakash is dedicated to understanding and mitigating polarization through his work in the Department of Psychology's Social Personality Program.
Originally from Pune, India, Aakash's academic journey took him to Purdue University, where he completed his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. His dissertation focused on developing empathy and emotional intelligence in intellectually gifted adolescents in India. This early work, encapsulated in a program called "Samvedana" (meaning "a concern for others"), laid the foundation for his current research interests.
At Berkeley, Aakash is part of a project funded by the Governor of California, aimed at fostering bridging attitudes and depolarization among AmeriCorps volunteers. These volunteers work in various service-learning programs, including College Corps, where they engage with diverse communities. Aakash's research involves developing and measuring the effectiveness of practices that promote social cohesion and reduce polarization.
"Our grant involves developing practices for AmeriCorps volunteers to help them recognize their common humanity and bridge divides," Aakash explains. "The goal is to change perceptions by focusing on storytelling, perspective-taking, and recognizing similarities, which can humanize people who seem different," he added.
Transitioning to Berkeley from an educational psychology background presented challenges. Aakash found himself amidst a highly quantitative psychology department, which required a significant realignment of his skills. "I felt like a fifth-year Ph.D. student among extremely talented grad students," he recalls. However, this environment also pushed him to develop new skills and embrace advanced statistical methods.
Despite these challenges, Aakash's dedication has led to significant achievements. In March alone, four of his studies were published, including a particularly challenging conceptual paper on courage. "These publications are part of the process," he says. "The biggest achievement is finding satisfaction in my work and knowing it helps people, especially adolescents, develop essential life skills."
One of the most personal challenges Aakash faced was overcoming imposter syndrome, particularly in an environment as competitive as Berkeley. "At Berkeley, there's an expectation to know everything, which can make you feel stupid in a room full of talented people," he admits. Over time, participating in classes and collaborative projects helped him gain confidence and overcome these feelings.
Looking ahead, Aakash is committed to continuing his work in academia. He envisions a future where he can secure a tenure-track position, focusing on educational psychology interventions that promote creativity, compassion, and holistic development in students. "I want to continue doing research that makes a difference," he asserts. "The industry can be transactional, but academia and nonprofit work align with my values of making a lasting impact."