Dr. Amanda Matoushek is the Dean of the College of Arts, Education, and Social Sciences, and a Professor of Psychology at Bluefield State University, where she has been a faculty member since 2012. A first-generation college graduate, she earned her B.S. in Psychology from Bridgewater College and went on to complete both her M.S. in Psychology and Ph.D. in Behavioral Neuroscience at Binghamton University.
Dr. Matoushek teaches a wide range of psychology courses as well as Social Science courses and was instrumental in the development of the Substance Abuse minor. She is actively involved in student life on campus, serving as an advisor to the Biomedical Club, Suicide Prevention and Awareness Club, Big Blue Pride, and Pi Gamma Mu – International Honor Society for Social Sciences. Inspired by mentors from her own educational journey, Dr. Matoushek strives to provide support and mentorship to students both in and outside of the classroom.
Dr. Matoushek’s research has focused on the neurobiology of alcohol and drug use in adolescents. Specifically, she examined how adolescent substance use permanently alters neural development and behaviors. More recently, through collaboration with the Bluefield Police Department, her research evolved into examining community programs aimed at preventing youth from becoming involved with substance use and criminal activity. She is passionate about educating students and the broader community about the science of adolescent brain development and substance use.
In her spare time, Dr. Matoushek enjoys cooking, gardening, playing retro video games, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and 3 rambunctious dogs.