Michael D. Newcomb

Michael Donald Newcomb (December 20, 1952 – February 13, 2010) was an American psychologist. His research focused on drug etiology, as well as nuclear anxiety and other topics.

Early life and education
Michael D. Newcomb was born on December 20, 1952, in Laguna Beach, California. In 1974, he earned a bachelor's degree in social ecology from University of California, Irvine. He completed joint studies in developmental psychology and mathematics. In 1976, he earned a master's degree in psychology from University of California, Los Angeles where he later completed a doctorate in clinical psychology in 1979. His doctoral advisor was Peter M. Bentler. He completed a clinical internship at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center where he trained in therapies including family, sex, gestalt, and hypnotherapy.

Career
In 1991, Newcomb started his work as a professor at USC Rossier School of Education where he stayed until his death in 2010. He became the chair of the University of Southern California counseling psychology program in 1992.

Awards and honors
Newcomb was a fellow of the American Psychological Association, American Psychological Society, and the Western Psychological Association.

Personal life
Newcomb died on February 13, 2010, in Santa Monica, California, after a long bout with a degenerative neurological disease.