BIO

I am an applied developmental psychologist with a focus on how we develop in academic settings. Broadly I investigate two questions. First, I investigate how our identities influence our academic experiences and decisions. For example, I ask questions about how one’s math identity influences course taking decisions and how identity characteristics like gender, race, and socioeconomic status influence academic experiences. Second, I research how academic settings influence our development. For example, some of my current projects focus on how preschool type and early school readiness skills influence later course selection, how different features of school settings influence one’s sense of belonging, and how student-athletes balance their competing identities while at college.

However, my true passion is teaching and I love teaching and learning from my amazing students. I routinely teach Developmental Psychology, Adolescent Development, Multicultural Psychology, Critical Thinking and Psychological Science, and a special topics winter course on Identity Development. My approach to teaching is heavily influenced by my research and I strive to help students draw personal connections to the material.

I live in Meridian with my husband and enjoy reading, knitting, DnD, doing yoga and eating lots of snacks. Feel free to stop by for a snack or a chat anytime.

EDUCATION

Ph.D. Applied Developmental psychology, George Mason University 2021

M.A. Applied Developmental Psychology, George Mason University 2018

B.S. Psychology, The University of Alabama 2016

SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH

Selected Research Work:

Ricciardi, C. & Winsler, A. (2024). Trajectories of advanced math taking for low-income students of color in middle and high school. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 79, 102312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2024.102312

Ricciardi, C., Winsler, A., Manfra, L., Hartman, S., Bleiker, C., & Dinehart, L. (2021). School readiness skills at age four predict academic achievement through 5th grade. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 57(4), 110-120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2021.05.006

Ricciardi, C. & Winsler, A. (2021). Who gets in?: Selection into advanced courses in middle and high school among low-income, ethnically diverse youth. Journal of Advanced Academics, 37(3), 291-323. https://doi.org/10.1177/1932202X21990096 Ricciardi, C., Haag-Wolf, A., & Winsler, A. (2020). Factors associated with gifted educational placement for low-income, ethnically diverse students. Gifted Child Quarterly, 64(4), 243-258. https://doi.org/10.1177/0016986220937685