About Us

The Immigrant Racial, Identity, and Socialization Experiences (I-RISE) Lab conducts research aimed at understanding the experiences of immigrants to the U.S. We especially focus on their adjustment to living in the U.S., taking into consideration how they are socialized to the racial context of the U.S., adapt to U.S. culture while retaining their home cultural practices, and develop their racial and ethnic identity. We aim to understand factors that promote adaptive adjustment, while addressing individual and systemic barriers. We also examine how these factors influence their emotional and psychological functioning. I-RISE Lab is also interested in investigating mental health beliefs, attitudes, literacy, and help-seeking behaviors.

We are housed in the Counseling Psychology program as a part of the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling (SERC) in the College of Education. The team is led by Latifat Cabirou, Ph.D., and is comprised of both undergraduate and graduate students. Individuals whose works are related to our topics or population are invited to join or collaborate with us.

Current Projects

Current I-RISE projects include:

  • Acculturation: This project investigates the patterns of acculturation among Black, African immigrants. Using a path analysis methodology, this study aims to explore the relationship between acculturation to Black American culture, mainstream American culture, and enculturation and psychological well-being.

  • Patterns of Socialization Practices: The purpose of this study is to investigate the sources and content of racial, ethnic, and cultural socialization of Black, African immigrants. The research questions being asked include: What are the messages that Black, African immigrants receive about being Black, African, and immigrant? Who transmits these messages? When were these messages transmitted? What has been the impact of these messages on the participants’ lives?

  • Acculturative Stress among South Asian Americans: The purpose of this student-led project/study is to address the role of social support (peer, family, and significant others) in moderating the link between acculturative stress and attitudes towards seeking professional help among South Asian immigrants.

Current Lab Members

  • Shirnelle Wilks
    4th Year
    Graduate Student- Counseling Psychology
    Research interests: Acculturation, tridimensional acculturation, among Black/Caribbean immigrants
  • Asmita Saha
    3rd Year
    Graduate Student- Counseling Psychology
    Research interests: Acculturation, acculturative stress, help-seeking behaviors, and social support among immigrant communities
  • Charlotte Jones
    2nd Year
    Graduate Student- Counseling Psychology
  • Brianna Pointer
    1st Year
    Graduate Student- Counseling Psychology
Last updated: 05/11/2023