Associate Professor, Applied Development Psychology (Black Studies Affiliate)
Karlyn Adams-Wiggins's first area of expertise involves creating motivationally-supportive and equity-oriented learning environments in secondary science and math education. Dr. Adams-Wiggins studies student motivation and peer interactions during collaborative learning in classrooms implementing Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS); this includes Educator Community of Practice partnership work to support teachers’ developing identities as competent equity-minded educators. Dr. Adams-Wiggins’ second area of expertise involves identity processes for Black/African-diaspora adolescents and early adults. Dr. Adams-Wiggins’ third area of expertise involves motivation and identity development for underrepresented minority (URM) and first-generation college students at the undergraduate level, particularly in STEM fields. Karlyn was a National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow during 2021-2023.
A cross-cutting theme in Dr. Adams-Wiggins's work is examining the role of cultural practices and social interactions in creating equitable and culturally-responsive learning opportunities for youth across socioeconomic and racial lines from early childhood through postsecondary educational levels. Methodologically, Dr. Adams-Wiggins specializes in qualitative research methods including, but not limited to, interviewing, focus groups, video-recorded classroom observation, ethnographic fieldwork and participatory action research.