معرفی
Laura Baams is an Assistant Professor at the Pedagogy and Educational Sciences Department within the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences at the University of Groningen. Her research focuses on health disparities among LGBTQ+ youth, particularly examining how social environmental factors exacerbate or mitigate issues like depression and suicidality. She explores mechanisms underlying these disparities and strategies for structural changes to improve LGBTQ+ youth outcomes.
Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being (SDG 3) and reducing inequalities (SDG 10). Key research areas include adolescent mental health, social support, bullying prevention, and school safety for marginalized youth. Laura also investigates the impact of digital media on identity development and the effectiveness of trauma-informed prevention programs.
Teaching responsibilities include courses on gender and sexuality in education, contemporary youth issues, and research methodologies. She has received awards such as the Van Emde Boas - Van Ussel Prijs (2022) and Best Senior Poster (2015). Laura chairs the SRCD SOGIE Caucus and the Flemish-Dutch LGBTI Research Network, emphasizing advocacy and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Her recent articles address topics like LGBTQ+ school safety through meta-analyses and systematic reviews, timing of sexual/gender identity milestones, and trauma-informed interventions for youth mental health. These studies highlight her commitment to evidence-based solutions for reducing health inequities and fostering inclusive environments.
