Supervising Faculty: Dr. Josefina Bañales 
Contact: Dr. Josefina Bañales, jbanales23@pitt.edu 
Area of Research: Developmental

Format: Fully Remote

Description of Research:
Dr. Josefina Bañales is a Developmental and Community Psychologist who studies how youth develop a critical racial consciousness, or beliefs, feelings and actions that challenge racism. Dr. Bañales mentors students who are dedicated to research and action that dismantles racism and other systems of oppression. Her work examines the ways in which youths’ socialization around race and racism, structural analysis of racism, and political efficacy inform their action against racism.  

Duties of Students:
Student will be expected to contribute to research on how adolescents think about and challenge racism, and the social contexts and experiences (e.g., school racial socialization, interracial friendships) that promote these processes. Students will be expected to code qualitative data (e.g., open-ended responses) and run statistical analysis of quantitative survey data. Students will conduct literature reviews on adolescents’ beliefs about and actions against racism. Students will attend and contribute to weekly lab meetings and complete pre-assigned readings. There will be opportunities to contribute to abstracts for submission to local and national conferences. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in pursuing graduate school in Developmental and Community Psychology, and programs that value social justice research and practice.  

Requirements:
• A 10-hour minimum/week commitment 
• Introduction to Psychology and Research Methods in Psychology must be taken before completing this directed study

Terms offered: Fall, Spring
Number of Students: 2