Tania Israel is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology in the Gevirtz School of Education, where she also served as an Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Professor Israel earned a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Arizona State University and a master's degree in Human Sexuality Education and a B.A. in Psychology and Women’s Studies from the University of Pennsylvania.
For more than 25 years, Professor Israel conducted research and developed interventions to promote the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ individuals and communities. Her expertise informed policy and practice at the local, state, and national levels, including work with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Congress, and the White House. In 2026, she was appointed to the California Racial Equity Commission.
Professor Israel is also the author of two award-winning books on navigating political division, Beyond Your Bubble: How to Connect Across the Political Divide and Facing the Fracture: How to Navigate the Challenges of Living in a Divided Nation. Her work on bridging differences has been featured in media outlets including the TODAY show, New York Times, Washington Post, and NPR, as well as in her TEDx talks: How to Win a Political Argument, What Halibut Fajitas Taught Me About Bridging the Political Divide, and Bisexuality and Beyond.
Throughout her career, Professor Israel received numerous honors for her research and advocacy. She was recognized by Congress, the American Psychological Association, the California Asian & Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, and her local LGBT community, among others. In 2025 she was the recipient of the APA's Award for Distinguished Senior Career Contributions to Psychology in the Public Interest.
Professor Israel held numerous leadership roles in professional and community organizations. She served as 2010-11 President of the Society of Counseling Psychology (Division 17 of the American Psychological Association), member of the American Psychological Association’s Committee for Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, and Lead Coordinator for the 2009 National Multicultural Conference and Summit. Her campus leadership included Chair of Graduate Council, 2014-15 and Chair of Undergraduate Council, 2010-12.