About the Authors

Driven by a passion for developing human potential, Dan Lerner and Alan Schlechter have taught The Science of Happiness together at New York University since 2012. Having shared the classroom with thousands of undergrads, they have created a blend of science and storytelling that has helped make the course the largest and most popular elective at the school. Dan and Alan integrate their individual expertise in the fields of traditional and positive psychology, striving not just to inform, but also to help each and every student create positive change by overcoming challenges and realizing the unique opportunities in college and beyond.

Daniel Lerner, MAPP (top), is a clinical instructor at NYU. He holds a master’s in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where he has served on the teaching staff since 2012. In addition to presenting frequent guest lectures at universities nationwide, Dan is a keynote speaker and strengths-based performance coach, working with both established and high-potential musicians, athletes, and executives to leverage the advantage that a healthy psychological state can bring to their performance at work, school, and home. A graduate of Kenyon College, Dan lives with his remarkably tolerant (and equally lovely) partner, Erin, and their hilariously energetic son, Julian, in New York City.

Alan Schlechter, MD (bottom), is a clinical assistant professor at NYU Langone Medical Center and the director of the Outpatient Child and Adolescent Psychiatry program at Bellevue Hospital, where he has worked since 2007. In this role he seeks to provide mental health care to the most vulnerable children and families in New York City, to help individuals create change to overcome the challenges in their life. A graduate of Wesleyan University and Mount Sinai Medical School, Alan lives with his wife, Carlyn, and his two daughters, Maisie and Marlowe, in New York City’s Greenwich Village.