معرفی
Kimberly Smirles is Professor of Psychology at Emmanuel College, where she prioritizes student learning through active engagement, critical thinking, and community-based research. Her teaching philosophy centers on creating meaningful knowledge that prepares students for personal and professional success across coursework, faculty-student research, internships, and co-curricular activities.
Her educational background includes:
- Ph.D. and M.A. in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire
- B.A. in Psychology from Boston College
As an experimental social psychologist, Smirles investigates how sociocultural expectations shape self-perception and behavior, with specialized focus on gender roles, women's body image, and cross-cultural leadership perceptions. Her research examines mindfulness interventions for body image improvement, Japanese women's leadership self-efficacy, and bicultural identity among American Indian adolescents, consistently applying findings to develop real-world educational solutions.
Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent exploration of gender dynamics across diverse contexts—from intimate partner violence perceptions to transgender student experiences—while demonstrating methodological versatility through qualitative analyses, experimental designs, and cross-cultural comparisons. Her work consistently bridges academic research with community impact through service learning.
Her scholarly contributions have been recognized with:
- Faculty Excellence in Service to the Community Award (2021)
- Marion and Jasper Whiting Foundation Fellowship (2017)
- Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching (2003)
Smirles actively mentors students through hands-on research participation, resulting in numerous co-authored publications and presentations. She has secured substantial funding including Faculty Travel Grants (2004-2019), Faculty Research Grants (2011-2016), and Faculty-Student Research Grants (2004, 2006, 2011, 2013) to support collaborative investigations into gender, identity, and social justice.
She directs an active research laboratory where students engage in all research phases from design to publication. Currently co-authoring the textbook Psychology of Women: A Psychobiosocial Perspective with Dr. Joan Rollins, she continues expanding her lab's focus to develop interventions improving body image and leadership efficacy for women over 40.
