Angela Duckworth Biography

Angela Duckworth was born in 1970 to Chinese immigrant parents near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. When she was young, Duckworth’s father, a DuPont scientist, often told her, “You’re no genius.“ This pronouncement would prove ironic given her research findings that intelligence is a weak predictor of success, as well as the MacArthur “genius” award she would win for significant contributions to her field.

Duckworth completed her undergraduate degree in neurobiology at Harvard University. She chose the major upon learning that she was failing a course in that subject—a choice that speaks of the grit for which she would become known. After receiving her M.Sc. with distinction in neuroscience from Oxford University, she taught high school math and science. She completed her Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, where she currently serves as the Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor. Her research focuses on two factors other than intelligence—grit and self-control—that predict success. She has published extensively on topics related to predictors of achievement.

Duckworth’s work with nonprofit organizations exemplifies her dedication to helping others succeed. While still at Harvard, she created an award-winning nonprofit summer program for low-income middle school students. In 2013, she cofounded with two educators the Character Lab, a nonprofit organization that “connects researchers with educators to create greater knowledge about the conditions that lead to social, emotional, academic, and physical well-being for young people” throughout the United States. That same year, she was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship. Duckworth is a sought-after advisor who has worked with professional sports teams, Fortune 500 companies, and educational and military institutions. Duckworth’s book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance was a #1 New York Times bestseller, and her TED Talk on the topic is one of the most popular of all time.