معرفی
Dr. Dawn Zinga is Professor and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research in the Faculty of Social Sciences at Brock University. As a cognitive developmental psychologist, she leads SSHRC-funded research examining educational experiences of first-generation students and competitive dancers. Her scholarship integrates educational psychology, Indigenous methodologies, and decolonizing approaches to pedagogy.
Research domains include:
- Longitudinal tracking of first-generation student transitions
- Perfectionism development in academic and performance contexts
- Decolonizing curriculum through Indigenous epistemologies
- Embodied learning in dance education
Analysis of her publication corpus reveals four intersecting themes: (1) Identity negotiation in transitional educational phases, (2) Systemic barriers in postsecondary access and persistence, (3) Embodiment and disciplinary practices in aesthetic sports, and (4) Institutional implementation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action. Her methodological approach frequently employs longitudinal designs and participatory action research.
