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DR Eric Lang
Eric Lang, Ph.D. – Chief Human Science Officer, Prosocial Science International; Former Director, PERSEREC and DCSA Behavioral Risk Sciences
Summary
Eric Lang, Ph.D., is a behavioral and social scientist with more than 35 years of experience in applied research and program improvement. He is Chief Human Science Officer at Prosocial Science International (Prosocial.com), focusing on insider risk, personnel security, and organizational culture. His work emphasizes practical solutions that are effective, efficient, and fair.
Current Role — Prosocial Science International
Dr. Lang leads research, consulting, and training on insider risk and related workforce issues. He works with public- and private-sector organizations to assess risk, strengthen reporting climates, and improve day-to-day practices and training.
Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (2024–2025)
From 2024 to 2025, Dr. Lang served as Director of Behavioral Risk Sciences at DCSA, the largest security organization in the U.S. Government. He guided efforts to apply behavioral science within counterintelligence and security operations to better detect, deter, and manage insider risk.
DoD Personnel and Security Research Center (2011–2024)
From 2011 to 2024, he directed DoD’s Personnel and Security Research Center (PERSEREC). His team developed and refined policies, systems, training, and analytical tools used across DoD and partner agencies. These efforts improved program quality and timelines and produced documented cost savings in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Earlier Experience
Before federal service, Dr. Lang held research and leadership roles at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research, American Institutes for Research, Sociometrics Corporation, and Northrop Grumman. He led teams, built assessment frameworks, and translated study findings into practical tools and guidance.
Areas of Focus
• Insider risk and personnel security
• Program design, metrics, and evaluation
• Organizational culture and human factors
• Training and practitioner tools
• Policy and guidance that balance security, privacy, and fairness
Education
Ph.D., Social Psychology, University of Michigan.
Advisory and International Work
Dr. Lang advises organizations in the U.S. and abroad and serves on advisory boards in Australia, Canada, Sweden, and Israel. Recent work centers on insider risk and healthy organizational culture.
Leadership Approach
Dr. Lang leads with scientific rigor, mission alignment, and fairness. He builds interdisciplinary teams, translates complex research into actionable tools, and measures outcomes to ensure programs are both effective and equitable. His approach strengthens trust, reduces risk, and improves performance without compromising civil liberties or workforce well-being.
Eric Lang, Ph.D. – Chief Human Science Officer, Prosocial Science International; Former Director, PERSEREC and DCSA Behavioral Risk Sciences
Summary
Eric Lang, Ph.D., is a behavioral and social scientist with more than 35 years of experience in applied research and program improvement. He is Chief Human Science Officer at Prosocial Science International (Prosocial.com), focusing on insider risk, personnel security, and organizational culture. His work emphasizes practical solutions that are effective, efficient, and fair.
Current Role — Prosocial Science International
Dr. Lang leads research, consulting, and training on insider risk and related workforce issues. He works with public- and private-sector organizations to assess risk, strengthen reporting climates, and improve day-to-day practices and training.
Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (2024–2025)
From 2024 to 2025, Dr. Lang served as Director of Behavioral Risk Sciences at DCSA, the largest security organization in the U.S. Government. He guided efforts to apply behavioral science within counterintelligence and security operations to better detect, deter, and manage insider risk.
DoD Personnel and Security Research Center (2011–2024)
From 2011 to 2024, he directed DoD’s Personnel and Security Research Center (PERSEREC). His team developed and refined policies, systems, training, and analytical tools used across DoD and partner agencies. These efforts improved program quality and timelines and produced documented cost savings in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Earlier Experience
Before federal service, Dr. Lang held research and leadership roles at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research, American Institutes for Research, Sociometrics Corporation, and Northrop Grumman. He led teams, built assessment frameworks, and translated study findings into practical tools and guidance.
Areas of Focus
• Insider risk and personnel security
• Program design, metrics, and evaluation
• Organizational culture and human factors
• Training and practitioner tools
• Policy and guidance that balance security, privacy, and fairness
Education
Ph.D., Social Psychology, University of Michigan.
Advisory and International Work
Dr. Lang advises organizations in the U.S. and abroad and serves on advisory boards in Australia, Canada, Sweden, and Israel. Recent work centers on insider risk and healthy organizational culture.
Leadership Approach
Dr. Lang leads with scientific rigor, mission alignment, and fairness. He builds interdisciplinary teams, translates complex research into actionable tools, and measures outcomes to ensure programs are both effective and equitable. His approach strengthens trust, reduces risk, and improves performance without compromising civil liberties or workforce well-being.