Laura Malagon-Palacios

Student Spotlight: September 2021

What is your major?

I am double majoring in Psychology and Applied Behavioral Science.

Describe your research/creative work in just two sentences that we can all understand.

My research interest focuses on uncovering bias in the educational system and psychological treatments and the effects these have on the mental health of underrepresented students. I work with students from k-12th grade, and I am starting to work with parents as well.

Who mentors your project?

I currently have three mentors: Dr. Patterson in the Educational Psychology department, Dr. Meghan Ecker-Lyster and Dr. Sabrina Gregersen in the Achievement and Assessment institute.  I also work with Dr. Chi-Ning (Nick) Chang from the KU Life Span Institute.

Q: What surprised you about doing a larger research or creative project?

A: Doing a larger research project can at times be overwhelming, but it is a fun and enjoyable experience! It is empowering contributing to the literature of the issue I am passionate about.

Q: What did you find most challenging about getting involved in or doing your project? What advice would you offer to students facing similar challenges?

A: The most challenging thing about my project was narrowing down my ideas into one question/hypothesis. I am interested in researching various issues within the Hispanic community, which is hard to choose where to start and how to narrow it down to a project that can be doable. My advice for anyone struggling with this issue is to schedule meetings with professors and staff members that can help you brainstorm ideas. I reached out to Nikki in the CUR department and the conversation we had led me to the question for my research project.

Q: What do you like most about your project?

A: I like that I am researching issues that matter to me. However, I greatly enjoy the ability to expand my knowledge on these issues by reading current literature and findings.

Q: How do you spend your time when you’re not working on your project?

A: You can always catch me singing and dancing in my living room when I am not working on my research! I am also learning how to play golf!