Teri A. Kirby

Teri A. Kirby is an Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences at Purdue University, where she conducts research on diversity, inclusion, and intergroup relations. Previously, she served as a Lecturer (2015-2018) and then Senior Lecturer (2018-2021) in the Department of Psychology at the University of Exeter.

Dr. Kirby earned her Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Washington in 2015. Her research program focuses on bidirectional change processes that occur when different groups come into contact with one another, examining both how majority groups adapt to minority groups and how minority groups adapt to majority groups.

Dr. Kirby's research interests span a range of topics including diversity ideologies (ideas about how to accommodate differences across ethnic, gender, and sexual orientation categories), the co-opting of diversity, cultural appropriation, and the impact of diversity initiatives. She particularly focuses on how diversity approaches shape sensitivity to discrimination, self-concept, stereotyping, and academic/workplace outcomes. Her work draws heavily on social psychological theories of self and identity to understand intergroup relations and prejudice.

Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on nuanced examinations of diversity ideologies, bisexual erasure, and the symbolic value of ethnic spaces. She frequently investigates how different diversity approaches (multiculturalism vs. colorblindness) impact identity management and psychological outcomes for minority group members. Her work often bridges theoretical social psychology with practical organizational implications.

Dr. Kirby has presented her research at venues such as the LGBTIQ+ Workplace Inclusion Symposium at Leiden University, where she delivered a keynote on "Inclusive" Definitions of Diversity: Ironic Effects on the LGBTQ+ Community.

Her collaborative work extends across multiple institutions, with frequent co-authorship with researchers from the University of Exeter, University of Washington, and other international colleagues. She contributes to major methodological discussions in the field, including best practices for using the Implicit Association Test.