Carl A. Grant Scholars Lecture - Integrating Social Science and Behavioral Genetics to Understand the Antecedents and Consequences of Racial Discrimination

April 15, 2022, Noon to 1:30 p.m. Central Time

Educational Sciences Room 259

Dr. Juan Del Toro

Research Associate at the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC), University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Juan Del Toro

Nationwide data suggested that one-in-four youth of color experienced interpersonal racial discrimination, let alone the structural and institutional barriers they frequently encounter. In my talk, I will present how I integrate social surveys, administrative records, and biological data to understand how racial discrimination shapes human development across the lifespan from childhood to adulthood. Specifically, I use multi-method, interdisciplinary, and collaborative approaches to elucidate: (1) why specifying perpetrators of racial discrimination matters for child development and (2) the direct and intergenerational consequences of involvement in the criminal justice system. I will conclude with my future directions utilizing behavioral genetic approaches to study race-related dynamics among adolescent-aged siblings of color. Throughout my presentation, I will discuss how my research supports efforts promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This event will be available for remote viewing through Zoom.