PI: Giselle Laiduc
In the Identity, Diversity, and Educational Equity (IDEE) Lab, our research program is guided by the core question: Given their history of social exclusion, how can universities better meet the needs of and serve an increasingly diverse student population? We draw on scholarship from multiple disciplines (e.g., psychology, education, sociology) to investigate the sociocultural context of higher education and its influence on students’ psychological wellbeing.
Our scholarship engages diverse research partnerships (e.g., students, staff, faculty) and multiple methods (e.g., lab and field experiments, interviews, surveys) in three growing lines of research:
- Sociocultural factors that impact the transition to and through college (and in specific learning contexts, like STEM fields)
- Culturally-relevant psychological interventions that foster identity safety and belonging
- Beliefs and discourses about diversity that promote (or inhibit) student outcomes
We examine students’ experiences in context, which involves taking an explicitly anti-deficit approach to issues related to identity, diversity, and educational equity. That is, we interrogate common assumptions about underrepresentation and underperformance in higher education, hoping to inform university practices and policies that promote educational equity and student wellbeing.
We aim to cultivate a research space where undergraduate research assistants draw from their own expertise as students navigating higher education to assist on or develop projects that matter to them and their communities, and that inform theory and scholarship. Research assistants may be involved in various research tasks, from conducting literature reviews, supporting research design, preparing study materials, collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data, and/or communicating research findings through presentations, short reports, posters, or infographics.
If you are interested, or would like to learn more, please contact Dr. Laiduc or fill out this application. No research experience is required to join!
*Typically, Dr. Laiduc reviews applications at the end of Spring quarter for positions starting the following academic year. Preference is given to applicants who can attend the weekly lab meeting and dedicate a minimum of 5-6 hours/week to lab tasks, however, any interested students can apply at any time.
***Winter 2025: Dr. Laiduc is looking for 1-2 undergraduate volunteers to support the Latinx/e Voices Focus Group Study (minimum 3 hour/week commitment). Students who identify as Latinx/é and/or are curious about qualitative research are especially encouraged to apply.
Note from Dr. Laiduc: Balancing academics and work can be tough, especially for students managing financial responsibilities. If you're interested in applying to the lab but are concerned about managing your academic workload and work commitments, please reach out. Work-study students are especially encouraged to apply—I’m happy to explore potential opportunities and flexible solutions.