Eric A. Hurley

Eric A. Hurley is a Professor of Psychological Science and Africana Studies at Pomona College, where he has been since 2007. His research explores how cultural orientations influence educational outcomes for minority children, emphasizing the mismatch between home/community cultural values and mainstream classroom demands. He has conducted studies in the U.S., South Africa, and Central/South America, focusing on cultural integrity, communalism, and stereotype threat.

• Ph.D., Howard University
• Bachelor of Science, University of Florida

Professor Hurley's work bridges psychology and Africana Studies, arguing that infusing students' home cultures into learning contexts can resolve conflicts between academic success and cultural identity. His DSC Lab examines deep-structure cultural values and their impact on cognitive development. He has also developed methodologies to assess cultural orientations across diasporas, highlighting differences between Asian and African diaspora groups.

His recent publications focus on sociocultural factors in education, communalism in pedagogy, and cross-cultural continuities in African American and South African populations. Research trends emphasize cultural psychology, educational reform, and diaspora studies.

• Jeffrey S. Tanaka Memorial Dissertation Award, American Psychological Association
• Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Teachers College at Columbia University
• Pre-Doctoral Fellowship, Smith College

Hurley's academic work includes advising students on projects like *Anthony M. Sylvester's research on communal math pedagogy and *Alan R. Lopez on African American cultural themes in South Africa. He has also contributed to discussions on educational psychology, race, and cultural identity through Sagecast podcast appearances, where he shared insights on his interdisciplinary approach and international research collaborations.