Adrian Villicana
Assistant Professor of Social Psychology
Office
Location
FA 332
Hours
W 12:00pm - 2:00pm
And By Appointment
About
PhD - University of Kansas, 2017 Social Psychology | Quantitative Psychology Minor MA - Cal State University, San Bernardino, 2011 General/Experimental Psychology BA - University of Redlands, 2008 Psychology | Music I joined the Western community in the Fall of 2020. I am a social psychologist, and I focus on identity processes and social issues in my teaching and in my research. Teaching: My teaching philosophy resonates with aspects of action teaching and intersectionality. Students in my classes gain foundational knowledge outside of the classroom so that students can experience an active learning environment inside the classroom. My courses are student-centered and highlight critical thinking and application; developing the skills to critically analyze information for bias and/or logical fallacy as well as developing the skill to apply course concepts to real-world situations and social issues. Students in my courses also engage with ideas of intersectionality; exploring 1) the bidirectional relationship between our social categories and the oppressive structures we live within, 2) how the intersection of our social categories affect how we evaluate information and determine what knowledge is valuable, and 2) how the information we learn in class may be (un)intentionally silencing marginalized others' voices and perspectives. Research: My research focuses on intergroup relations using two frameworks. On the one hand, I examine factors that can reduce stereotyping and prejudice among dominant groups. On the other hand, I examine factors that increase collective action among socially disadvantaged groups in response to the inequalities they face. In addition, my research emphasizes populations that are not typically represented in the psychological literature (e.g., LGB persons of color). I aim to conduct basic research and consider how combinations of social categories influence social judgments and lived experiences. I also work to apply these ideas to real-world issues to offer practical suggestions to improve intergroup relations and the experiences of marginalized individuals.