Robert R. Provine

Robert R. Provine is Professor of Psychology and Assistant Director of the Neuroscience Program at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. He has authored over 50 research papers concerning developmental neuroscience and the neural mechanisms of behavior, conducting studies on over 30 species, using techniques ranging from electrophysiology and tissue culture to field studies. He came to the study of laughter and human ethology from a background in neuroembryology, having studied and published with Nobel Prize (Rita Levi-Montalcini) and National Medal of Science (Viktor Hamburger) winners. A scholar who has lectured in North America and Europe in settings ranging from medical school departments of neurology to NASA, NIST and grade schools, he has received research grants from the National Institutes of Health. His work has been featured in dozens of articles worldwide, including the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Daily Telegraph (London), Le Figaro, National Geographic, Psychology Today, Equinox (Canada), New Scientist, Discover, Science et Avenir, the Observer (London), Panorama (Italy), Focus (Germany), The Los Angeles Times, and The Washington Post. His numerous televisio appearances include "Good Morning America," "ABC World News Tonight" "Eye to Eye" (CBS), "20/20" (ABC) and specials on The Learning Channel ("Understanding Laughter" -- with Bill Cosby), The Discover Channel ("Laughter"-- with Conan O'Brien), and BBC Horizon ("Beyond the Joke"). His radio appearances include "All Things Considered" (NPR), "Morning Edition" (NPR), "Talk of the Nation" (NPR) and "Talk of the Nation--Science Friday" (NPR). When not doing science, Professor Provine enjoys stargazing, optics, and martial arts, serving as advisor and instructor of the University Tae Kwon Do Club. He is married to pianist and musicologist Helen Weems and has two adult children.