Peter Gray, Ph.D., research professor at Boston College, wrote Free to Learn and Psychology, a college textbook now in its 8th edition. He has conducted and published research in comparative, evolutionary, developmental, and educational psychology.

He studied undergraduate at Columbia University and earned a Ph.D. in biological sciences at Rockefeller University.

His current research and writing focus primarily on children’s natural ways of learning and the life-long value of play. His own play includes not only his research and writing, but also long distance bicycling, kayaking, back-woods skiing, and vegetable gardening.

He also writes the Psychology Today column, Freedom to Learn: The roles of play and curiosity as foundations for learning.