Nate Tenhundfeld is a cognitive psychologist and Senior Researcher in the Mike & Sofia Segal Center for Academic Pluralism at the Heterodox Academy (HxA). Tenhundfeld joined HxA full time in 2024, leaving his position as Department Chair at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. His expertise is in trust and how this affects behaviors and decisions. His work has been highlighted in the New York Times, Psychology Today, and a variety of other outlets. In addition he is the lead author on a paper that was awarded the Raja Parasuraman Award for Scientific Impact by the International Neuroergonomics Society.
Despite receiving tenure 3 years early, Nate became increasingly disenfranchised by the culture of higher education and felt as though it has lost its way. A quote was etched on an archway at Nate's alma matter (UVA) that embodies what he believes should be academia's north star: "For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it" (Thomas Jefferson). This belief motivated Nate to join HxA as a member, a campus community co-chair, and now as a Senior Researcher. Nate believes that in order to help reform higher education, we have to focus on issues of distrust amongst and between students, faculty, administrators, and the public writ large.
Outside of work, Nate is an avid golfer, chess player, outdoorsman, and defender of sneak attacks from his two adorable dogs.