Welcome
My research is in the area of social psychology and more specifically in the domain of intergroup relations. Thus, I study how membership in societal groups influences our thoughts and actions. Although my research program is theory-driven, it also has at its core an interest in providing solutions to social problems. In particular, much of my work investigates the psychological catalysts that spur on efforts to bring about social and political change, as well as the psychological barriers that stand in the way of such efforts. In my primary line of research, I have considered supportive cross-group contact: contact in which advantaged group members express explicit support for the disadvantaged group and their collective goals. My research suggests that such contact has significant potential to empower members of disadvantaged groups. In another line of work, in collabaration with Dr. Michael Schmitt, I am investigating the link between identification with the natural world and pro-environmental behaviour – in particular, engagement in environmental activism. We hypothesize that identification with the natural world (“biospheric identification") fosters the motivation to engage in political and collective action to protect the natural environment.
My research has been supported by the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada and an Australian Endeavour Fellowship.
Please click here to download my CV.