Some people think is a geek, and they mean it in the best way possible.
Bricker, an affiliate professor of psychology at the 91̽»¨and a psychologist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, is among five finalists for the annual “Geek of the Year Award” from Seattle technology news site . The award honors “someone who created a technological breakthrough that made the world a better place, or strengthened the community through their work or good deeds.”
Bricker, a behavioral scientist at the Hutch, studies an approach known as acceptance and commitment therapy, or ACT, to help people smoking. His research provided the foundation for the development of a smartphone app called “,” which offers an evidence-based plan for quitting smoking that includes personalized plans and new ways for thinking about the urge to smoke.
Listen to Bricker’s appearance on the and check out his TEDx talk, .
Other finalists for the award include Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who has been a leader in recent efforts to fight Ebola. The public can for the winner on GeekWire’s website.
Now in their seventh year, the will be held May 7 at EMP in Seattle and include winners chosen in more than a dozen categories, including “Startup of the Year” and “Tech Titan of the Year.”