Alison Ledgerwood, PhD

Dr. Alison Ledgerwood is a behavioral scientist who investigates how people think about hierarchical social systems, with a focus on challenging assumptions that stem from the interlocking systems of oppression that shape science and society. Her metascientific work focuses on collaboratively developing, testing, and sharing methods and practices that counteract the exclusive history of the academy to make scientific research more open, inclusive, and informative. The impact of this work has been recognized by a Service to the Field Award from the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, as well as an award for Distinguished Service from that same society.

 

Dr. Ledgerwood works with students in the lab and in the classroom to collaboratively design spaces that are inclusive, accessible, reciprocal, and system-questioning. Undergraduate students in her lab work together on empirical team research projects from start to finish over the course of a year, with a focus on projects that question existing hierarchies and/or foster support and connection among students. For her mentorship of graduate students, Dr. Ledgerwood was awarded a UC Davis Graduate Program Advising and Mentoring Award.