Nicole Brass

Nicole Brass is a Research Fellow in the Department of Educational, School & Counseling Psychology within the College of Education & Human Development at the University of Missouri. She earned her PhD in the Combined Program of Education and Psychology from the University of Michigan and leads research efforts for the IES-funded ECHO project focused on building middle school teachers' capacity to promote prosocial behavior and maintain positive classroom environments.

Her research examines how peer relations (including popularity, friendship, and social reputations) contribute to academic and social adjustment during early adolescence. Current projects investigate teacher strategies for fostering positive classroom climates and prosocial student behavior.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals strong interdisciplinary connections between psychology and education, with consistent themes across four domains: social-emotional development during educational transitions, peer influence mechanisms in academic contexts, teacher practices for classroom climate improvement, and school adjustment patterns across demographic groups. Her work demonstrates methodological rigor through longitudinal designs and multi-informant approaches.

Dr. Brass leads significant research initiatives including the ECHO project which adapts a medical telementoring model for educational contexts. This program provides professional development for middle school teachers through monthly sessions with subject matter experts, aiming to improve student prosocial behavior, teacher efficacy, and teaching quality.