Laurie O’Brien

Laurie O’Brien serves as Chair and Professor in Tulane University's School of Science & Engineering, maintaining her office in Percival Stern Hall. Her leadership and academic contributions anchor the institution's social psychology research and educational initiatives.

Her educational foundation includes:

• Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Kansas (2002)

Dr. O’Brien's research program rigorously investigates prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination, and stigma through an experimental social psychology lens. She examines how high-status and low-status group members perceive bias, the psychological consequences of discrimination recognition, and interventions to foster inclusion. Her work spans racial dynamics in multiracial contexts, gender disparities in STEM, religious prejudice against atheists and Muslims, and the role of value violations in intergroup conflict. This research bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications for equity initiatives.

Analysis of her 11 recent publications (2017-2024) reveals three dominant trajectories: (1) Attribution mechanisms in discrimination incidents, particularly how victim race and perpetrator group membership shape bias recognition; (2) Role-model interventions to enhance STEM engagement among girls and underrepresented minorities, with attention to intersectional identities; (3) Nuanced examinations of prejudice against religious minorities, highlighting how cultural values and identity influence anti-atheist and anti-Muslim attitudes. Her experimental approach consistently yields actionable insights for institutional diversity efforts.