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Biography
Fidelia's research broadly focuses on tackling issues related to educational inequality and promoting inclusion and diversity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She is passionate about bridging research with practice and has embraced collaborative research-practice partnerships with community organizations and informal learning sites such as science centers, museums, zoos, and aquariums.
The overarching aim of her research is to empower young people to become active agents of change and contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future.
Research interests
My research focuses on tackling issues related to gender inequality and promoting inclusion and diversity in education. Using psychological theories, I explore innovative strategies to engage young people in various STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, aiming to challenge stereotypes and foster a sense of belonging and identity that sustains motivation and engagement in STEM.
A central aspect of my research is bridging research with practice. I have established collaborative local and global partnerships with community organisations, schools, and informal learning sites such as science centers, museums, zoos, and aquariums. One area of focus involves implementing growth mindset and role model interventions to challenge gender stereotypes and enhance STEM engagement among young people.
Through my teaching and research, I am committed to equipping young people with the skills and confidence to contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. I am passionate about fostering environments where all individuals can thrive, empowering young people to become proactive agents of positive change.
I also serve as a reviewer for academic journals relevant to my field, such as the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, Journal of Youth and Adolescence, and Social Psychology of Education. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss potential teaching and research collaboration.
Projects and supervisions
Research projects
INSPIRE: Investigating Somali Pupils’ Aspiration through Research and Community Engagement
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
School of EducationDates
01/08/2024 to 31/08/2025
Maximising Girls-Only Programmes: Co-produced Research with Girlguiding UK
Principal Investigator
Managing organisational unit
School of EducationDates
09/07/2024 to 30/04/2025
Publications
Selected publications
10/05/2021Children’s Gender Stereotypes in STEM Following a One-Shot Growth Mindset Intervention in a Science Museum
Frontiers in Psychology
Interest, Mindsets and Engagement: Longitudinal Relations in Science Orientations for Adolescents in Informal Science Programs
Journal of Youth and Adolescence
Promoting Diverse Youth’s Career Development through Informal Science Learning
Journal of Youth and Adolescence
The importance of trust in the relation between COVID-19 information from social media and well-being among adolescents and young adults
PLoS ONE
Gender Stereotypes and Peer Selection in STEM Domains Among Children and Adolescents
Sex Roles
Recent publications
01/01/2024Breaking Barriers: Role Models and Growth Mindset Fostering Equitable Gender Stereotypes in STEM among Children
Thriving in STEM: How Belonging and Growth Mindset Fuel Science Motivation in Adolescent Girls
Developmental Trajectories of Adolescents’ Math Motivation
Journal of Youth and Adolescence
The relations between growth mindset, motivational beliefs, and career interest in math intensive fields in informal STEM youth programs
PLoS ONE
Correction
Journal of Youth and Adolescence
Teaching
Social Psychology
Debates in Psychology
Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology in Education
Peace and Conflict Psychology
Introduction to Educational Inquiry