VCU news

By Brian McNeill

A doctoral student in Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Psychology has been named the 2015 recipient of the American Psychological Foundation’s Kenneth B. and Mamie P. Clark Fund research grant award.

Krystal Thomas, a first-year student in the Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology Program, received the $10,000 award, which supports research and demonstration activities that promote the understanding of the relationship between self-identity and academic achievement with an emphasis on children in kindergarten through eighth grade.

This work can inform efforts to create positive learning environments that support these students’ academic success.

The grant will fund Thomas’ research exploring the role of cross-racial friendships and teacher-student interactions in the identity development and academic achievement of African-American and Latino children.

“This is an important topic because the demographics of our country are radically changing, and we need to understand how social interactions in diverse classrooms affect racial/ethnic minority students,” Thomas said. “This work can inform efforts to create positive learning environments that support these students’ academic success.”

Thomas, who is from Westampton, New Jersey, said her interest in studying cross-racial friendships and teacher-student interactions grew out of her personal experiences growing up in a diverse community.

“I’ve always been curious about how my experiences as a child in the classroom shaped my attitudes about learning and how I view and value my ethnic background,” she said. “In addition, I read a research study suggesting that cross-ethnic friendships can serve as a protective factor for minority children. I’d like to unpack these findings more and understand the teacher’s role in this and how these social relationships influence or are influenced by ethnic identity and how these factors affect learning-related outcomes.”

Thomas said she was “shocked” to learn that she had received the award, which is the first she has submitted to be funded.

“I am also honored to be advancing the important work that the Clarks — for whom the award is named — started over half a century ago that deepened our understanding of the educational experiences of ethnic minority children,” she said.

Thomas thanked the American Psychological Foundation, as well as her faculty adviser, Zewelanji Serpell, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Psychology in the College of Humanities and Sciences.

“I think it is fantastic that Krystal has received this honor,” Serpell said. “She will put the award to good use and do justice to the legacy of the Clarks – sharing with them a passion for research and a deep interest in understanding the complex interplay between race and education.”

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