Research

My research program focuses primarily on understanding the psychological mechanisms that perpetuate disparities in health and academic outcomes. In particular, I examine how (a) members of minoritized groups respond to threatening health communications, (b) social identities and features of interventions impact the efficacy of health promotion efforts, and (c) cues in one’s environment (e.g., the gender composition of a course) affect academic outcomes. Moreover, I am interested in using this knowledge to develop interventions that improve healthcare delivery and mitigate threat in academic settings, particularly for members of minoritized groups. Please visit my personal website to learn more about my research interests.

I will be reviewing applications for a new student for Fall 2021.

Education

• PhD 2020, Social Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
• MA 2016, Social Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Publications & Professional Activity

Derricks, V., & Earl, A. (2019). Information targeting increases the weight of stigma: Leveraging relevance backfires when people feel judged. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 82, 277-293.

Affiliations

• Society of Personality and Social Psychology
• Midwestern Psychological Association