Paras Mehta

Paras Mehta, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Houston, housed within the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. His expertise lies in Industrial-Organizational Psychology with a strong methodological focus on multilevel and structural equation modeling.

His research interests include:

• Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling (ML-SEM)
• Growth Curve Modeling
• Applications of ML-SEM in Educational Research
• Applications of ML-SEM in Organizational Research

His teaching portfolio includes advanced courses in Structural Equation Modeling and Multilevel Modeling, reflecting his deep engagement with quantitative methods in psychology.

The body of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on psychometric and statistical methodology applied to educational and developmental contexts. Key themes across his articles include literacy development, bilingual education, adolescent behavioral trajectories, and advanced modeling of longitudinal and multilevel data. His work frequently appears in top-tier journals such as Journal of Educational Psychology, Psychological Methods, and Child Development.

Notable scientific contributions include methodological advancements in latent growth modeling and multilevel SEM, as well as empirical studies on reading development and bilingual education.

Dr. Mehta has advised or collaborated with numerous researchers and has contributed to federally supported research, including projects with NIH extramural support. While specific student advisees are not listed, his extensive publication record suggests active mentorship and collaboration. His work is grounded in both theoretical and applied psychological science, with implications for educational policy and intervention design.

He is based in the Heyne Building, Room 207C, and is actively contributing to the academic mission of the Department of Psychology through research, teaching, and service.