About the Lab
Welcome to the Developmental ASSETS (Adolescent Sociopolitical Strengths and Engagement Themes and Settings) Lab at Smith College! We take a strengths-based approach to study how young people from different backgrounds think about inequality and their role in their communities.
Current Projects
Qualitative theory of Critical Consciousness Development with Lydia Jordan ('26).
Systematic Review of Critical Consciousness and Wellbeing with Nour Farha ('29) and Sarah Swenson ('27) .
Past Projects
Internalized Stigma, Gender Modality, and Mental Health among Sexual Minority Youth with Cassandra Lerch ('27) and Crow Santiago ('26), article published in Journal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community. This project grew out of Cassandra's and Crow's PSY 202 final papers!
Critical Consciousness among Latine youth literature review with Mateenah Adeleke ('26) and Mihika Johri ('28). This literature review supported an article that is now in press at American Psychologist.
Biculturalism and Critical Consciousness with Nova Horrell (Hampshire '26). Poster presentation at the Society for Community Research and Action in East Lansing, Michigan, Summer 2025.
Get Involved
Taking a class with me is the best way to get involved in my research. I regularly teach Research Methods (PSY 202), Adolescent Development (PSY 260), Psychology, Intervention, and Social Change (PSY/CCX 366), and a Research Seminar in Adolescent Sociopolitical Development (PSY/CCX 363). Reach out to eburson@smith.edu to learn more about these courses and how they can support your research interests.
My lab requires a minimum 5 hour per week time committment during the semester. I often hire returning RAs for SURF projects.