Faculty Q&A: Amanda Burkholder

Faculty Q&A with Postdoctoral Research Associate Professor Amanda Burkholder

Dr. Amanda Burkholder is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology. Dr. Burkholder's research focuses on children's conceptions of social status and how that affects their views of society and relationships.

What does your research focus on?
My research focuses on two main areas. I study children’s developing conceptions of social inequalities, such as wealth inequalities or inequalities created through unfair status hierarchies. I am also interested in how children think social groups like race, gender, and wealth might influence peer interactions and relationships.

What made you interested in your field of work?
I became interested in developmental psychology in middle school! It took years of study, both in undergraduate and graduate school, to refine my specific research interests. I think developing your own program of research is something that happens organically once you let the topics that interest you guide your research questions.

What advice do you have for students, or anyone interested in research?
If you might be interested in research, definitely join a research lab! You learn the most about research through doing it. Here at UMD, there are many labs that provide rich research experiences for undergraduate students. Find a lab that studies a topic of interest to you and apply!

What’s the most rewarding outcome of your work? (research and/or teaching).
I love working with undergraduate students both in teaching and in research. It’s rewarding to help students spark their own scientific curiosity and creativity.

What impact do you believe joining UMD will have on advancing your research?
UMD has a great community of researchers, educators, and students. I am excited to be a part of UMD and the College of Education and work alongside many vibrant and groundbreaking scholars.