Did you know that we have close to 90 graduate students, out of which 40%+ won a fellowship? Come and find out how we do it at our next virtual info session on November 15 at 11 AM #gradschool #psychology #neuroscience #neurograd

Interdisciplinary neuroscientists of all stripes are encouraged to apply, especially if they have an interest in aging or lifespan development. Join our collegial and collaborative department, which shares a building with Biology. Plus, we have mountains!!. 2/2

The University of Virginia Department of Psychology is HIRING an assistant professor in Human Neuroscience!! . Please RT! .1/2.

Meet our newest faculty member, Dr. Sequeira, who will be joining our Clinical Psychology area this fall!! Welcome, @stef_l_sequeira! We're thrilled!!.

For the full spotlight and more detail on Dr. Trawalter's commitment and contributions to DEI at UVA and beyond, see (6/6).

Her advice on facing challenges in DEI advancement? “…as one of my graduate mentors once said to me, you can’t let fear take you down! Apathy and inaction in the face of injustice is not OK. That’s fundamental.” (5/6).

Dr. Trawalter’s commitment to DEI also extends to her classroom in the Batten school: “My hope is that this class has a deep and lasting impact for students. I hope it gives them tools to think critically about race, racism, and disparities.” (4/6).

Dr. Trawalter is also Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Batten. On programs she’s led, she says: “My hope is that programs like these have a ripple effect, that they promote change starting with individuals and up to systems in which these individuals have power.” (3/6).

Dr. Trawalter’s research spans topics from racial disparities in healthcare and academia to the impacts of Confederate monuments in public spaces, and has had real-world impacts both locally and beyond. (2/6).

For our faculty DEI spotlight, we're highlighting Dr. Sophie Trawalter. Her research sheds light on how social psychological processes contribute to disparities. Full spotlight & profile can be found at (1/6)

"Remembering there is a growing critical mass of folks who are putting forth these efforts helps me feel motivated to keep going.” (10/10).

“When I feel stuck, I think about the people I have connected with in this department and at this institution who are also committed to infusing these principles in their research, mentorship, and clinical work." (9/10).

"Because of this, I think an essential aspect of this work is to build a community and have collaborators across different spaces.” (8/10).

Her advice for others on getting involved with DEI efforts: “Although it is a noble endeavor, it is not always easy, and sometimes you may feel as though your efforts are too incremental to make a difference." (7/10).

"As a researcher, I hope to spotlight and bolster the positive aspects of Black communities that don’t necessarily need outside intervention.” (6/10).

“Although Black communities experience many disadvantages because of social inequalities, there are also amazing things within these communities that often get overlooked when researchers use a deficit approach." (5/10).

“Through this work, I am taking steps to ensure that when Black youth and young adults do access mental health care, that this care is going to be supportive, culturally informed, and something that they would be willing to return to if they needed help in the future.” (4/10).

"I also consider the complex history of studying Black folks here in the Southeastern U.S., which is relevant to my research examining factors that influence Black young adults’ willingness to access mental health care.” (3/10).

On her research and DEI: “I continuously reflect on the legacies of inequality and current systems that negatively impact Black individuals’ well-being." (2/10).

For our graduate DEI spotlight, we highlight Ariana Rivens @ARivens, who describes her research as “Promoting Black individuals’ health & well-being”. The following thread includes abbreviated quotes from her spotlight which can be found here: (1/10)

…in various settings (homes, classrooms, offices). Through these jobs I’ve met co-workers who have done this much longer than I have, and taken invaluable lessons from them. Observe, ask questions, and be willing to be vulnerable about your own experiences.” (7/7).