Diane Hughes

Diane Hughes is a Professor of Applied Psychology at New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Development, and Education. Her research focuses on racial/ethnic dynamics in work, education, and family contexts, particularly examining how these influence socioemotional and academic development. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and African American Studies from Williams College and a Ph.D. in Community and Developmental Psychology from the University of Michigan.

Dr. Hughes has held leadership roles, including former chair of the MacArthur Foundation's sub-group on Diversity in Mid-Life and co-chair of the cross-university Study Group on Race, Culture, and Ethnicity. Her work is funded by organizations such as the Carnegie Corporation, MacArthur Foundation, and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

Her research emphasizes ethnic-racial socialization, discrimination, and the intersection of cultural and contextual factors in youth development. Recent studies analyze long-term impacts of stressors and supports on adolescents, with a focus on diverse families and communities.

Teaching includes courses like Adolescent Development: Theory and Research and Community Psychology, emphasizing culturally responsive approaches to education and intervention programs.

Key collaborations involve interdisciplinary teams exploring race, equity, and social intervention strategies.