Elena G. Maker Castro

Elena G. Maker Castro is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Bates College. She specializes in adolescent and emerging adulthood development, with a focus on sociopolitical engagement, critical consciousness, and wellbeing. Her research explores how youth navigate social change, civic participation, and identity formation within contemporary sociopolitical contexts.

Education: B.A. in Education Studies (Brown University, 2013), M.A. in Cross-Cultural Education (Brown University, 2017), Ph.D. in Education with a focus on Human Development and Psychology (UCLA, 2023).

Research emphasizes immigrant-origin youth, racial-ethnic identities, and community partnerships. She leads the Youth Action and Community Transformation (Youth ACT) Lab, collaborating with local and national organizations to amplify youth leadership in Maine. Publications span journals in developmental psychology, sociology, and education, focusing on topics like allyship, pandemic impacts, and critical consciousness.

Teaches courses including Developmental Psychology, Community-Based Research Methods, and Sociopolitical Development. Advises undergraduate researchers and contributes to equity-focused initiatives at Bates.