Moin Syed

Moin Syed is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, within the College of Liberal Arts. His research centers on identity development, particularly ethnic and racial identity, with a focus on educational disparities, the achievement gap, and the opportunity gap. He actively contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education and reduced inequalities.

Research Interests: His work spans identity development in emerging adulthood, narrative psychology, and the psychological experiences of ethnic minorities. He investigates how cultural, racial, and ethnic identities shape psychological outcomes, academic engagement, and social integration. His research integrates developmental, social, and educational psychology perspectives.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in identity formation, psychometric validation, and social justice issues. Topics include narcissism across racial groups, Islamophobia measurement, identity interventions, and models of racial identity development. His work increasingly emphasizes methodological rigor, open science, and the application of psychological research to address systemic inequities.

• Scientific Awards:
• Talle Faculty Research Award, 2019–2020

Advising and Grants: While specific students are not listed, Dr. Syed has served as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Investigator (CoI) on multiple significant grants, including those from the National Science Foundation and Simons Foundation. His projects include the North Star STEM Alliance, which supports minority participation in STEM, and research on immigrant narratives for social change. He also led a project on genetic impacts on behavior at the University of Pennsylvania.

Labs and Teams: Dr. Syed is part of a collaborative research network focused on identity, equity, and psychological development. He works within interdisciplinary teams addressing educational disparities and social change, particularly through narrative and community-based approaches.