Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
University of California, Santa Cruz
831-459-3970
Office: Social Sciences 2, Room 347
Office Hours: Monday 10-11am or by appointment
Dr. Byrd's research examines how school climate for diversity promotes academic engagement, cultural competence, and psychological well-being in students. She uses quantitative and qualitative methods to explore topics such as intergroup interactions, multicultural education, and culturally relevant teaching. Her work has shown that when youth experience their schools as positive, identity-affirming spaces, they are more academically engaged and successful.
She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Agnes Scott College and a masters degree in psychology and PhD in education and psychology from the University of Michigan. She was a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow at Michigan State University in the Department of Teacher Education before joining the Psychology Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz.