Michelle Marji is a Social Psychology PhD student in the Niedenthal Emotions Lab where she studies the intersections between identity, emotion, and social interaction. Learn more about her research and personal interests here.
Please describe your research in a way an elementary school student might understand.
I study the experiences of Black Americans in public outdoor parks and whether, on average, stereotypes are related to their sense of belonging and their experiences of relaxation or stress in parks.
What inspired you to pursue that research?
Outdoor parks and other public outdoor spaces never have been equally accessible to people across racial groups in the United States. Historical and modern-day exclusion, segregation, and gentrification have perpetuated inequalities such that Black Americans are three times as likely as White Americans to live in nature-deprived spaces (CAP, 2017). I experienced a lack of diversity first-hand during my time rock climbing across national and state parks in the southwest.
What are your hobbies outside of school?
I enjoy dancing, baking, and spending time with friends.
What are your favorite places or things to do in Madison?
I love dancing with the Hitterz Collective at COPA Madison, grabbing a bite at a food truck on State Street, and watching the birds by the lake.
What’s a positive experience from graduate school that will stay with you?
The times I’ve spent with great friends I have made along the way.
Congratulations, you’ve earned your PhD! How will you celebrate and what would you love to do next?
I’ll celebrate with friends and family in NYC.