The Social Perception and Intergroup Relations Lab at Kennesaw State University is located in the Department of Psychological Sciences. We conduct research focusing on our understanding of social groups and how these understandings impact our own behaviors. We tend to focus on prejudice, discrimination, stereotyping, and stigma specifically. The ultimate goal of the lab is to help create resources and interventions aimed at improving the lives of marginalized groups.

Our research team is interdisciplinary in nature and collaborates inside and outside of academia. We are currently working with organizations at KSU and the greater Atlanta area.

Meet the Research Team

  • Malena Amador

    My name is Malena Amador (pronounce), and I am a first-year psychology major at KSU. I love all things related to the brain and human behavior, as well as forensics and criminology. I hope to become some sort of forensic psychologist or neuroscientist in my future. I love working hands-on and I am so excited to be participating in this lab!

  • Abigail Dingess (She/They)

    Abigail Dingess (pronounce) is a psychology major and data science and analytics minor at Kennesaw State University. She will pursue a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology after graduation. Abigail works in behavioral health and intends on starting a rural treatment center for eating disorders as a Clinical Psychologist. They spend their spare time enjoying the outdoors with their two dogs, Dexter and Murphy.

  • Courtney Everett (She/Her)

    My name is Courtney Everett (pronounce), and I am a Psychology major with a double minor in Statistics and Data Analytics and Child Advocacy Studies. I enjoy reading, writing, listening to music, and learning new things related to the field of psychology. My dream goal is to become a licensed School Psychologist. I am very excited to be part of this research lab!

  • Carolyne Halfon (She/Her)

    Carolyne Halfon (pronounce) is a 4th year psychology major and studio art minor at the University of Georgia, Athens. She plans to start a PhD in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the upcoming academic year after graduating with her bachelors degree December ‘23. For her graduate studies, she is particularly interested in investigating more into personality and anxiety disorders, racial minorities and LGBT+ mental health disparities, creative and physical expressions impact on mental health, and false memories and memory processes. Outside of her educational pursuits, she spends time with animals, either volunteering at shelters or with her own 3 dogs. And she enjoys painting, basketball, and photography.

  • Hiba Rana

    Hey ! My name is Hiba Rana (pronounce) and I’m a senior here at KSU studying biology with a concentration in pre-medicine. I’m excited to be apart of SPAIR Lab this year and to aid in collectively advancing knowledge in the realm of social psychology with my team. In my free-time, you can either find me at a local coffee shop, parading farmers markets, and or unfortunately studying.