Heather Kissel
Assistant Professor of Psychology

Dr. Heather Kissel is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology. She joined the faculty of Longwood University in 2024 after completing her postdoctoral studies at Northern Kentucky University. She earned her MS and PhD in Psychology (Biological Psychology training area) from Virginia Tech and is excited to be back in Virginia!

Dr. Kissel’s research uses psychophysiological methods (e.g., electrocardiography) to understand emotions and substance use. She is particularly interested in physiological linkage (when two or more people interact, their heart rates and other physiological signals start to synchronize) and other dyadic processes. Dr. Kissel teaches undergraduate classes such as Introduction to Psychology, Biopsychology, and Psychobiology of Stress.

Outside of the classroom and lab, Dr. Kissel enjoys reading fiction, trying new restaurants, and working towards her goal of visiting all 50 states!