Bonnie Bost Laster

Dr. Bonnie Bost Laster is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Department of Psychology at The University of Texas at Arlington, part of the College of Science. She holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from Oklahoma State University and has extensive experience in clinical work, non-profit advocacy, and higher education. Prior to UTA, she served as an Adjunct Professor at Texas Wesleyan University and Academic Advisor at Tarrant County College.

Education:

• PhD in Educational Psychology, Oklahoma State University (2010)
• MS in Applied Behavioral Studies, Oklahoma State University (2004)
• BS in Community Health Education, University of Kansas (1995)

Research Interests: Dr. Laster focuses on college students' epistemic development, pedagogical innovations in higher education, and service-learning integration in clinical psychology education. Her work emphasizes fostering empathy, improving teaching methods, and addressing underserved populations through community-based evaluations and program assessments.

Awards:

• Advisor of the Year (2025)
• Outstanding Teaching Award (2025)

Teaching and Grants: She teaches courses such as Abnormal Psychology, Clinical & Counseling Psychology, and Developmental Psychology. Recent grants include a Quality Matters Certified Distance Education course (2025) and a UTA Libraries Open Initiative Grant (April 2025). She has also held fellowships in experiential learning and service initiatives.

Service and Outreach: Dr. Laster chairs the Faculty Award Committee and serves on the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, IRB, and Psi Chi faculty advisory board. She contributes to institutional effectiveness assessments and collaborates with organizations like UT Southwestern's Depression Research Center.