About the Lab 

The Identity & Academic Motivation Lab, or I AM Lab, researches how students’ identity (how they view themselves and their social groups) affects their motivation in school, from preschool through college. We want to learn more about social influences on students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math. The lab is directed by UH College of Education Assistant Professor Allison Master. 

Lab Leadership 

Allison Master, Ph.D.  
Lab Director and Assistant Professor 
amaster@uh.edu
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Allison Master is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences at the University of Houston College of Education. She earned a Ph.D. in developmental psychology from Stanford University in 2011 and a B.A. in psychology from Yale University in 2003. Her research interests include social-psychological processes that form the foundation of motivation and identity from early childhood through adulthood, as well as how cues to identity may affect stereotyping and other social judgments and behaviors. Currently she is investigating how stereotypes affect students’ interest in STEM fields. 

Lab Members 

Taylor Alexander
Graduate Student Assistant
Taylor Alexander is a Ph.D. student in the measurement, quantitative methods, and learning sciences program at the University of Houston College of Education. Her primary roles include serving as a research assistant in the I AM Lab and other graduate research labs. She also is founder of T.E.A.M. (Training Every Athlete’s Mindset) Mentorship Program and volunteers for organizations aimed to serve marginalized youth through mental health and STEM inclusion. Alexander’s research interests include ethnic and gender disparities in STEM, the complexities of student athlete transitions, and the discourse on race and privilege. She aims to dedicate her career to creating culturally competent programs that address inequities present in athletics and STEM fields.

Suppanut Sriutaisuk
Graduate Student
Suppanut Sriutaisuk is a Ph.D. student in measurement, quantitative methods and learning sciences at the University of Houston College of Education. He is interested in quantitative methods in education and psychology, such as structural equation modeling, multilevel modeling and missing data handling. His substantive research focuses on motivation and well-being. He assists with data analysis and manuscript preparation for the I AM Lab.  

Daijiazi Tang
Graduate Student
Daijiazi Tang is a Ph.D. student in measurement, quantitative methods and learning sciences at the University of Houston College of Education. She is interested in applying advanced quantitative research methods to educational and psychological issues of motivational processes relating to students’ academic performance, behavior and intention. She serves as a data analyst and an assistant with data collection and relevant duties in the I AM LAB. 

    Jennifer Thompson
Researcher
Jennifer Thompson received her B.B.A in Management from Texas A&M. Prior to joining the I AM Lab, she worked as a research assistant in the Nittrouer Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lab and conducted research on diversity trends within academia, with her focus being primarily on the geosciences. She now serves as a research study coordinator with the I AM Lab.

Lab Alumni

Dr. Yasmine Al Abdul Raheem
Dr. Al Abdul Raheem earned her Ph.D. in the measurement, quantitative methods, and learning sciences program at the University of Houston College of Education in 2022. She is currently a Research Specialist in the Milwaukee Public School District.

Aledrian Kemp
Aledrian Kemp majored in human development and family studies and nonprofit leadership at the University of Houston.

Craig Maddox
Craig Maddox is a research coordinator at the University of Washington.

Lizzy Stier
Lizzy Stier was a research coordinator in the I AM Lab at the University of Washington. Lizzy is a data analyst with Baltimore's Promise who enjoys exploring different approaches for fostering confidence, resilience, and empathy in young people.

Mackenzie Tennison
Mackenzie Tennison is a research coordinator and graduate student at the University of Washington.

Dr. Krysti Turnquest
Dr. Turnquest earned her Ph.D. in the measurement, quantitative methods, and learning sciences program at the University of Houston College of Education in 2022. She is a principal user experience researcher at Optum (a business of UnitedHealth Group) and a lecturer at the UH COE.