Expertise

My main line of research sheds light on why girls, women, and members of some ethnic groups are not well represented in fields related to science. My findings show that peer support, self-efficacy, and involvement in authentic research can shape underrepresented students' pursuit of science careers.

Research Interests

Rachael Robnett’s research addresses the ways in which socialization, stereotypes, and social-structural factors contour the attitudes and behaviors people display in their daily lives. Her primary line of research provides insight into how these constructs influence adolescents’ and emerging adults’ pursuit of careers related to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). She is especially interested in identifying forces that either promote or detract from educational equity in STEM fields. Her research currently focuses on the role of peers, self-efficacy, and authentic research involvement. Dr. Robnett’s second line of research examines the causes and implications of gender bias and gender-role adherence. Her work in this domain focuses on associations between gender-traditional ideologies and individuals’ preferences within the context of romantic relationships. Across these lines of research, Dr. Robnett utilizes quantitative methods such as structural equation modeling as well as qualitative methods such as thematic analysis.

Dr. Robnett earned her Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2013.