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Tamara L

- Research Program Mentor

PhD at University of Massachusetts Boston

Expertise

behavior, teacher consultation, school based interventions, well-being of students of color, and YPAR

Bio

Hello Scholars! I am a professor and researcher focused on culturally responsive practices and historically marginalized youth's social and emotional well-being. My passion includes centering young people's voices and classroom experiences. With my research, I can advance equitable practices for students and support their success within schools. My interests and hobbies include playing with my French bulldog, drinking unique blends of coffee, and exploring new restaurants. My favorite blend of coffee right now is lavender rose chai coffee. Additionally, I like sewing, cooking, and watching tv.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Exploring the Wellbeing of Marginalized Youth

How do classroom teachers cultivate a sense of belonging for marginalized youth? In a recent study, students' lived experiences were explored to gather their sense of belongingness in the classroom. This research is critical to the field given that marginalized youths' voices are not often explored in educational research. A review of this literature research will add to the field of school psychology and aide in mental health policies centering marginalized students voices and needs in school.

The Category is... Identity

Historically marginalized youth often go unheard, especially when it comes to intersecting identities, such as Black girls. This project will dive deeper into the literature that is currently in educational research as it will explore what is often hidden or dismissed when researching identity-- hair politics, belonging, and colorism. There is such little research on this topic so a literature review exploring the current literature would be critical to the field of education.

Coding skills

n/a

Languages I know

n/a

Teaching experience

I have 5 years of teaching experience in higher education and mentored several students within those years.

Credentials

Work experience

University of Arizona (2022 - Current)
Assistant Professor

Education

Clark Atlanta University
BA Bachelor of Arts (2015)
Psychology
University of Massachusetts Boston
EdM Master of Education (2018)
School Psychology
University of Massachusetts Boston
PhD Doctor of Philosophy (2022)
School Pscyhology

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