معرفی
Melissa Fortner is a Professor of Psychology at Transylvania University, where she has taught since 2004. Her research focuses on social justice pedagogy, critical feminist psychology, and systems of privilege and oppression. She earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State University (2004), an M.S. from the same program (2000), and a B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy from Transylvania University (1996).
Fortner emphasizes critical thinking, introspection, and ethical engagement in her teaching. Her courses include Lifespan Development, Family Development, and First-Year Seminars addressing identity and social systems. She has received the Bingham Award for Excellence in Teaching three times (2008, 2014, 2018) and contributed to peer-reviewed journals like Journal of Family Theory & Review and Journal of Marriage and Family.
Her research explores how gender, race, and class intersect with family dynamics and societal structures. Recent work includes analyzing stereotype content in education and critiquing pop psychology narratives. Fortner has held editorial roles for the Encyclopedia of Family Studies and Journal of Family Theory and Review.
Professionally, she is affiliated with the National Council on Family Relations, American Association of University Professors, and American Psychological Association. Her grants include a Kenan Fund award, supporting initiatives to integrate social justice into academic curricula.
