Close up of Thoman smiling outside

Dustin Thoman, Ph. D. is a social psychologist who received his Ph.D. from the University of Utah in 2008. He comes to us from the Department of Psychology at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). His research examines how social identity and social interactions influence motivational experiences (e.g., interest and belonging) and the self-regulation of motivation. Through this social-contextual approach to understanding motivational processes, his recent work addresses the broadening of participation and diversity in science education. He utilizes both experimental and field methodologies to study how individuals, particularly those from stigmatized or underrepresented backgrounds, develop and maintain educational/career interest in science. Guided by Kurt Lewin’s “full-cycle” (theory- application- action) model of social psychology, he actively engages in following the implications of his research. Upon his arrival at SDSU, Dr. Thoman will direct the Motivation and Social Identity Lab to train and mentor a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students in basic and applied research. Dr. Thoman will work closely with the SDSU Center for Research in Mathematics and Science Education (CRMSE) and the Center for the Advancement of Students in Academia (CASA). Dr. Thoman looks forward to joining the faculty at SDSU in the Spring of 2016 and is happy to talk to interested students and faculty about any of these research topics.