University of La Verne Professor Named Rising Star at National Psychology Conference
Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Nadine Nakamura received a Rising Star Award at the National Multicultural Conference and Summit, a gathering of psychology professionals dedicated to multicultural theory, research, practice and advocacy.
Nakamura, who has taught at the University of La Verne since 2011, gave two poster presentations on issues related to same-sex binational couples at the January conference and participated in a discussion about what it means to be an ally. The conference, called “Summit Talks: Looking Back to Move Forward” took place in January in Portland.
“This is an impressive honor for Dr. Nakamura based on her extensive research expertise and publication record on multicultural sexual minority populations,” said University of La Verne College of Arts and Sciences Dean Lawrence Potter of the award. “We are fortunate to have an emerging scholar and authority on the faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences and at the University.”
Dr. Peony Fhagen, awards and entertainment coordinator for the conference, said people who receive the Rising Star award are selected based on their potential to continue to make significant contributions to multicultural psychology.
“The purpose of the award is to recognize and encourage up and coming multicultural psychologists to continue their excellent work in the field,” Fhagen said. “Nadine’s work in the field is outstanding which is why she earned the award.”
Nakamura currently researches how culture impacts behavior and how marginalized populations adapt. She is focused on various minority groups such as LGBT people of color, immigrants, and asylum seekers, as well as LGBT international issues.
“Her scholarship and research are an extension of her active engagement with diversity issues at the professional level. Nadine has been involved with the Faculty Diversity Committee and Coalition for Diversity at La Verne as well as mentoring LGBT students here,” states Dean Potter. “Her commitment to diversity and inclusivity align with our core values as a university.”
Among her most recent publications, Nakamura co-authored a chapter in the 2016 book “The Immigrant Other – Lived Experiences in a Transnational World,” which explores the similarities and differences in the way immigrants are treated worldwide.
