Teaching the Science of Behavior: DSU Welcomes Dr. Tabish Gul to Psychology

Dr. Tabish Gul has joined Dickinson State University as assistant professor of psychology, bringing a research background in social cognitive neuroscience and teaching experience on two continents. He began at DSU in August 2026. 

“Dr. Gul is a great addition to DSU’s School of Education faculty.  His strong background in social cognitive neuroscience is a complement to the psychology department and provides exciting research opportunities for our students,” shared Amy Grinsteinner, the dean for the School of Education.  

Gul earned his Ph.D. in Psychology, with a concentration in Psychological and Brain Sciences, and an M.A. in Psychology, with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience, both from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Before that, he earned an M.Phil. in Psychology from the National Institute of Psychology at Quaid-i-Azam University in Pakistan and a B.S. in Psychology from Forman Christian College in Pakistan. He also completed a semester exchange at Maryville College in Tennessee. 

His research focuses on how familiarity and social context shape the way people perceive faces and other people. Using EEG and event-related potential methods, he studies the brain processes involved. 

Gul began his university teaching career as a lecturer of psychology at the University of Wah in Pakistan, where he taught Social Psychology, Research Methods, Cognitive and Affective Processes, and Educational Psychology. At the University of Missouri–St. Louis, he worked as a teaching assistant and graduate instructor for courses including Psychological Statistics, Research Methods, General Psychology, and Social Psychological Science, while continuing his research in social neuroscience and face perception. 

In the classroom, Gul wants students to see how psychology connects to the world around them. 

"I want students to leave my classes able to explain psychological ideas and recognize how those ideas apply to everyday life," Gul said. "I use real-world examples, case studies, and small-group activities that give students a chance to reason through questions together." 

He views himself as a guide rather than a lecturer who covers every detail. "I see my role as guiding students as they build their understanding," he said. He also encourages students to come to class prepared and to ask questions when they need help. 

That approach extends to how he ties theory to practice. Students in his courses may work through a case, evaluate a psychological claim, or consider how research findings apply to a real-life decision. 

"I connect psychological concepts to practical questions about health, development, memory, and behavior," Gul said. "I want students to understand both what research can tell us and what its limits are." 

His own research gives him examples of how psychologists use experimental design, surveys, EEG, and statistical analysis to study behavior. 

Gul describes his guiding philosophy as relational and evidence-based. 

"My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that strong teaching is relational, inclusive, and grounded in scientific curiosity," he said. "I want students to see the relevance of what they learn and to develop skills they can carry into their personal, academic, and professional lives." 

At DSU, Gul serves on the Assessment Committee, representing Psychology and Criminal Justice. "I'm interested in helping programs assess student learning and support continued improvement," he said. His past service includes reviewing research for academic journals and serving on recruitment committees. He has also facilitated teacher training and gender-awareness workshops in Pakistan. 

Outside of work, Gul enjoys spending time with his wife, Benish, and their children, Aaron and Elaine. Since arriving in southwest North Dakota, the family has been exploring. They have visited Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora, the Bismarck area, the Enchanted Highway, and several parks in Dickinson, and they are looking forward to discovering more. 

Gul says he is looking forward to the year ahead.  

"I'm excited to build relationships with students and colleagues, contribute to the Psychology program, and help students connect psychology to their own lives and goals," Gul said. "My family and I are also looking forward to getting to know Dickinson and becoming part of the local community." 

Dickinson State University welcomes Dr. Tabish Gul to the Psychology program.