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Lupita Gonzalez

Assistant Professor of Psychology

Lupita’s research integrates social psychology and cognitive neuroscience to examine how intersectional social identities and related biases influence our perceptions, thoughts, and actions. In the Psychology, Activism, & Intersectional Society (PAIS) Lab,  intersectionality theory is applied to examine questions such as: How do race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and related power structures influence the social and cognitive well-being of BIPOC? How do race and gender influence the mental and social experiences of BIPOC students on college campuses? How do power structures and systems of oppression influence social cognition and activism efforts? Lupita also examines the effects of contextual factors on racially biased socio-cognitive processes, investigating questions such as: How does the social context influence perception of racial or ethnic outgroups? In which contexts are racially biased perceptions associated with racially biased behavior? Research is informed by theoretical perspectives from Sociology, Black Studies, and Latinx Studies. Ultimately, the PAIS Lab aims to use its research to inform activism and social justice efforts within marginalized communities.

Research Interests

  • Intersectionality theory & psychology (e.g., intersection of race, ethnicity, gender, class, immigration status, sexual orientation, disability, & other identities)
  • Effects of intersectional identities on socio-cognitive processes
  • Experiences of BIPOC students in higher education
  • Social movements, activism, and social cognition
  • Effects of social contexts on racial and ethnic biases
  • Health disparities among marginalized communities
  • Inclusion of marginalized communities in higher education

Representative Courses

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Social Issues
  • First-Year Learning Community Seminar
  • Senior Seminar
  • Advanced Topics in Social Psychology
  • Cognitive Psychology