Payton Small

Payton Small is an Assistant Professor of Psychological Science at Vassar College. He earned his BA from the University of California-Santa Cruz and PhD from the University of California-Santa Barbara. His research focuses on how individuals cope with prejudice and discrimination, examining the role of racial/ethnic identity in psychological responses, identity processes, and implications for well-being.

As a social psychologist, Dr. Small investigates the intersection of devalued social identities and resilience strategies. He contributes to multidisciplinary initiatives on racial justice and curriculum development, mentoring students in research projects like the Undergraduate Research Summer Institute Symposium.