Tia N. Barnes

Dr. Tia N. Barnes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Delaware, part of the College of Education and Human Development. She specializes in special education, social-emotional learning, and culturally responsive pedagogy, with a focus on minoritized populations. Her research explores the social-emotional well-being of Black girls, discrimination experiences, and educational equity. She currently leads a Delaware Department of Health and Social Services-funded grant examining physical/mental health, social media use, and discrimination among Black girls (ages 10-19) in Delaware, and co-leads an NSF-funded project developing cybersecurity education through storytelling and social robots for elementary students.

Education:

• Ph.D., Special Education: Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, University of Florida (2013)
• M.Ed., Special Education: Reading Disabilities, University of Florida (2009)
• B.S., Psychology: Family, Youth and Community Sciences, University of Florida (2007)

Her research has been published in journals such as Prevention Science, International Journal of Educational Research, Aggression and Violent Behavior, and Developmental Review. She holds grants as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI), leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to address systemic educational challenges.

Awards & Recognition:

• Nominated for 2017 CEC-DR Early Career Publication Award
• University of Florida Presidential Scholarship recipient (2003-2007)
• Member, Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society (2005)
• Member, Beta Eta Sigma Black Honor Society (2005)

Professional Experience:

• Associate Professor, UD (2023–present)
• Assistant Professor, UD (2016–2023)
• Postdoctoral Training, Yale University (2014–2016)
• Postdoctoral Training, University of Florida (2013–2014)