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Diversity in Research Awards

The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience recognizes the immense value of promoting diversity and inclusion within our research and the broader scientific community. Uplifting diverse perspectives cultivates innovation, challenges biases, and allows a more comprehensive approach to the development and understanding of our research. Consistent with the Department’s commitment to these values, the Diversity in Research Awards were developed to recognize outstanding research conducted by students from underrepresented groups, and to acknowledge student research contributions regarding issues that disproportionately impact underrepresented populations.

The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience will annually invite nominations and select the recipients of the awards, which will be announced at the end of each academic year. Nominations for our Diversity in Research Awards are typically solicited in early March via department listservs, with a deadline in April.

Diversity Awards

Susan M. McHale and Ernest C. Davenport Awards for Outstanding Psychological Research by a Student Who Enhances Diversity

These awards aim to recognize and honor students from underrepresented groups who make a contribution to the advancement of psychological science. For these awards, underrepresentation is defined as groups who have been traditionally underrepresented among psychological researchers, including, but not limited to, groups underrepresented through their race, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability, religious affiliation, and socioeconomic status. The research conducted by award recipients can be on any topic within the department. Two awards will be given each year recognizing students whose work exemplifies outstanding psychological research; the Susan M. McHale Award will be given to one undergraduate student, and the Ernest C. Davenport Award will be given to a graduate student.

J. Steven Reznick and Bernadette Gray-Little Awards for Diversity Enhancement in Psychological Research

These awards seek to honor students who make a contribution to the advancement of psychological knowledge regarding issues that disproportionately impact diverse populations. For these awards, diverse populations are defined as groups who have been traditionally underrepresented in psychological research, including but not limited to race, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability, religious affiliation, age, and socioeconomic status. Each year, the J. Steven Reznick Award will be awarded to one undergraduate student, and the Bernadette Gray-Little Award will be awarded to one graduate student.

Read more about the namesakes and inspirations for our Diversity in Research Awards.

Innovation in Equity and Inclusivity Service Awards

Up to four separate awards are given annually to faculty members, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, research staff, and/or administrative staff within our department who have each made significant, innovative, and impactful contributions to enhancing equity and inclusivity in the Department of Psychology & Neuroscience. The award recognizes individuals with outstanding accomplishments and general impact in research, teaching, mentoring, and/or service.

Past Winners