Paul Poteat

Paul Poteat is a Professor at Boston College in the Carolyn A. and Peter S. Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Department of Counseling, Developmental & Educational Psychology. His research focuses on LGBTQ+ youth experiences in schools, particularly the role of Gender-Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) in promoting resilience and reducing disparities. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a B.S. from Florida State University.

Key research interests include LGBTQ+ youth development, school policies, equity, and social-emotional development. He has secured grants from NIH and IES, and serves as Co-Editor of the American Educational Research Journal and Co-Chair of the SRCD Equity & Justice Committee.

Recent publications emphasize GSA impacts on academic engagement, mental health, and advocacy. His work highlights how inclusive policies and GSA activities foster belonging and reduce disparities for sexual and gender minority youth.