Welcome to the Social Perception and Intergroup Relations Lab at Kennesaw State University! Housed in the Department of Psychological Science, our lab is dedicated to exploring how people perceive social groups and how these perceptions shape attitudes, judgments, and behaviors in everyday life.
Our work focuses on critical issues such as prejudice, discrimination, stereotyping, and stigma. We are particularly interested in how these processes impact marginalized communities, and how systems of inequality, such as racism, sexism, and other forms of structural bias, are reinforced through social perceptions.
Through our research, we aim to better understand the barriers that marginalized groups face and to identify the psychological mechanisms that contribute to bias and division. By doing so, we work toward our ultimate goal: creating practical, evidence-based interventions and resources that promote inclusion, reduce bias, and support equity.
We are passionate about research that doesn’t just stay in the lab, but makes a real-world impact. Whether it’s informing educational practices, shaping workplace policies, or supporting community initiatives, our work is grounded in the belief that science can help build a more just and inclusive society. We welcome collaboration, student involvement, and partnerships with organizations that share our vision.
Meet the Current Research Team
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Malena Amador
Malena Amador (pronounce) is a junior in psychology at KSU. She loves studying all things related to the brain and human behavior, as well as forensics and criminology. She is currently working on sexual harassment research and hopes to continue on that topic in the future. She is planning on attending graduate school in forensic psychology.
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Kadidja Diaby (She/Her)
Kadidja Diaby (pronounce) is a third-year PhD student in International Conflict Management in the School of Conflict Management, Peacebuilding, and Development at Kennesaw State University. Kadidja is an aspiring scholar, political theorist, and educator. After graduation, she plans on becoming a foreign affairs analyst for the UN and a professor. Kadidja is committed to using her research skills to help reduce domestic and global inequalities against marginalized communities.
Research Team Alumni
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Abigail Dingess (She/They)
Abigail Dingess (pronounce) graduated from KSU with a B.S. in psychology with a minor in data science and analytics. They will be starting their Master’s degree in the fall at Georgia South Univrsity. Abigail works in behavioral health and intends on starting a rural treatment center for eating disorders as a Clinical Psychologist.
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Chloe Duckworth
Chloe Duckworth is a senior at Kennesaw State University majoring in integrated health sciences and was born and raised in Atlanta. She aspires to work in healthcare administration/informatics upon graduation. I love going on hikes and spending time with friends and family.
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Courtney Everett (She/Her)
Courtney Everett (pronounce) graduated with her B.S. in Psychology with minors in Statistics and Data Analytics and Child Advocacy Studies. They plan on applying for graduate school in 2025 and hope to become a licensed School Psychologist.
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Carolyne Halfon (She/Her)
Carolyne Halfon (pronounce) is a UGA 2023 B.S graduate in psychology and studio art. She plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. For her graduate studies, she is particularly interested in investigating more into personality and anxiety disorders, racial and sexual minorities mental health disparities, artistic expressions and physical activities impact on mental health, and false memories and memory processes.
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Destiny McCray (She/Her)
Destiny graduated from KSU with a degree in Psychology and Black Studies. She hopes to become a clinical psychologist, educator, and author. One of her goals is to repair the relationship between ethnic minority communities and the mental healthcare system. In addition to her Undergraduate Research Assistant position at KSU, she volunteers at the mental health organization, HeartSupport. She has also published a mental health article for Supportiv's Identity collection.
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Adria Pierce (She/Her)
Adria Pierce (she/her) (Pronounce) gradued from with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in data science and analytics. She plans on getting a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology after she graduates, followed by a PhD in Gender Studies. Her main goal is to conduct research that furthers the literature in feminist studies with an emphasis on sexuality, hegemonic masculinity, and the effects of misogyny on women. She also wants to specialize in sexual health and sex-positive education focused on people with uteruses.
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Hiba Rana (She/Her)
Hiba Rana (pronounce) graduated from KSU with a B.S. in Biology and a concentration in pre-medicine. She is currently applying to medical school and plans on attending next year.