Tessa L. Dover, Ph.D.
Dr. Dover’s research investigates the psychological, biological, and behavioral effects of group-based fairness and unfairness. Specifically, she investigates how members of advantaged and disadvantaged groups behave in unequal social systems, and the ways in which these unequal social systems shape health and well-being. Her specific lines of research include:
How discrimination and beliefs about fairness influence the psychological and biological resiliency of those disadvantaged by unequal social systems.
The positive and unintended negative consequences of organizational diversity initiatives for under-represented groups.
The subtle strategies that members of advantaged groups use to avoid the discomfort of acknowledging their own privilege.
Dr. Dover’s research utilizes several methodologies, including laboratory experiments, daily diary studies, and experimental work in applied legal and organizational settings. In her lab, she assesses an array of psychophysiological outcomes including cardiovascular, immunological, and hormonal functioning.
Current Graduate Students
Zeinab A Hachem, M.A.
Zeinab is a second-generation Lebanese-American, first-generation college student, and a Michigan native. She is interested in studying ethnic identity, social relationships, and discrimination among minorities. In her free time, Zeinab enjoys hanging out with friends and family and exploring her new home.
Contact Zeinab: zhachem [at] pdx.edu
Avery Waklatsi, M.A.
Avery (she/her/hers) is Midwestern at heart and has spent her recent years internationally. She's interested in studying diversity and inequality in organizational contexts. She enjoys eating vegetables, gardening and doing anything outdoors.
Contact Avery: waklatsi [at] pdx.edu
Emily Kinzel, B.A.
Emily grew up between Kyiv and Los Angeles and is loving life here in the Pacific Northwest! She is interested in researching stigma, identity, sexism, and morality. Outside of research, Emily enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time with her fiancé and tiny dog in the beautiful city of Portland.
Fiona Nguyen, B.S.
Fiona is from Phoenix, Arizona. She is interested in studying attitudes toward diversity and intergroup interactions. Her hobbies include going on walks, reading, and sharing snacks with friends
Graduate Alums
Alyssa M. Glace, Ph.D. (2021)
Alyssa researches sexual violence and the stigma and health outcomes faced by acknowledged and unacknowledged sexual violence survivors. She is also interested in the way that individuals conceptualize sexual consent communication and miscommunication, and the impact of social norms on these conceptualizations.
Current Research Assistants
Past Research Assistants
Samantha Allen
Yovanni Munoz
Tracie Burich
Zoe Potter
Maria Castro Mendoza
Tsionah Novack
Jillian Britton
Kayleen Bettencourt
Sophia Serrano
Cloey Layton
Melody Adyani
Juliane Bauer
Victoria Bui
Alexis Christensen
Tammy Dvir
Omar El-Cherbini
Rosa MejiaMcKenzie Figuracion
Julia Griffin
Rishi Krishnamurthy
Yovani Munoz
Phuc NguyenSean Reilly
David Roberts
Hailey Smart
Madison Tindle
Douglas Van Anda
Alexandra Wenig
MacKenzie West