Meet the lab!
Pictured (from left to right): Manuel Galvan, Julian Rucker, Adrienne Bonar, Carrington Merritt, Asha Hinson, Alexis Cameron, and Maurryce Starks
Lab Director
Julian M. Rucker, PhD
Dr. Julian Rucker is a Social Psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology & Neuroscience at UNC. Prior to joining as a faculty member, he served as a Carolina Postdoctoral Program for Faculty Diversity Fellow. He earned his Ph.D in Psychology at Yale University, an M.A. in Psychology from Northwestern University, and a B.A. in Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin.
Post-doctoral Scholars
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If you are interested in joining the lab as a postdoc, feel free to contact Julian directly. Over the next few years, he is planning on applying to various grants and fellowship opportunities to support a postdoctoral researcher, and is open to collaborating on external postdoctoral fellowship proposals (e.g., NSF SPRF, Ford, etc.).
Graduate Students
Asha Hinson, BA
Asha Hinson is a second-year doctoral student in the Social Psychology program at UNC. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Smith College, with a dual major in Psychology and Africana Studies, which has grounded her interdisciplinary interest in exploring the intricate connections between social identity, interpersonal interactions, racial inequalities, and their far-reaching implications. In her current work, Asha delves into the multidimensional elements of intergroup contact, aiming to uncover the contextual nuances embedded within these interactions. By exploring the broader consequences of intergroup contact in various environments—ranging from academic institutions to organizational settings—she seeks to understand how these dynamics influence inter-and-intragroup attitudes, diversity and inclusion efforts, and collective action. In her journey as a Ph.D. student, Asha aspires to contribute valuable insights that can foster understanding, reduce conflict, and strengthen cohesion within diverse social landscapes. Beyond her academic pursuits, Asha's passion for photography is vibrant, and she wields her film camera as a creative lens through which to observe the world. When not behind the camera or engrossed in research , she can often be found on the tennis court, rallying with friends and embracing the camaraderie of the game.
Research Staff
A’sjei M. Scott, BS
A’sjei Scott is the Lab Manager for the Rucker Lab at UNC. They graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a B.S in psychology and a minor in Applied Sciences and Engineering. Before working with Dr. Rucker on research, they developed their interest in psychology research as a research assistant studying language and gender with Dr. Arnold, and focused their passion for social change through an administrative internship at the Durham Housing Authority and volunteer experience with the Durham Youthworks Internship Program. When not engaged in research, A’sjei tends to spend their time visiting friends, exploring designs in fashion and geometric wall art, and learning about astronomy, physics, and other science topics through YouTube.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
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We are currently recruiting undergraduate research assistants for Fall 2024. Please visit the join us page for more information on how to apply.
