Dr. Robert T. Hitlan

Dr. Robert T. Hitlan is a Full Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Northern Iowa. His research sits at the intersection of social psychology, occupational health, and psychoneuroendocrinology, with a particular focus on ostracism, social exclusion, and workplace harassment.

Dr. Hitlan's work examines the antecedents and consequences of being excluded or harassed in social and organizational settings, including the biological stress responses that accompany these experiences. His research has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals and he has edited volumes on ostracism and workplace well-being.

At UNI, Dr. Hitlan directs the Psychoneuroendocrinology (PNE) Lab, where he and his students investigate how social stressors — including exclusion and harassment — affect hormonal and physiological responses. He is committed to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in rigorous empirical research.