Dr. Cerda-Smith is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Illinois State University. She completed her Ph.D. (2024) in the Department of Psychology at North Carolina State University. She earned her undergraduate degree from Miami University (OH). Prior to completing her doctorate, she was a public school teacher in Ohio and North Carolina and received certification by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. Her work has been funded by the American Education Research Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Psychological Foundation.  

RESEARCH INTERESTS: 

• Critical Consciousness: Dr. Cerda-Smith's work aims to understand and promote critical consciousness development, which involves peoples' understanding of systemic oppression and their action to dismantle it. She is especially interested in how individuals decide to be active/inactive and how schools support and thwart critical consciousness in youth and adults. 

• Ready Through Research: Dr. Cerda-Smith works closely with high school Psychology teachers to design and implement the Ready Through Research program, in which high school students are positioned as competent researchers in their school communities through project-based learning and mentorship. Dr. Cerda-Smith examines student experiences and outcomes associated the the RTR programming.