Meet the lab!
Pictured (from left to right): Mo Starks, A’sjei Scott, Natalie Antenucci, Michelle Yang, Wen Yin, Asha Hinson, Julian Rucker, and Maggie Williams.
Lab Director
Julian M. Rucker, PhD
Dr. Julian Rucker is a Social Psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology & Neuroscience at UNC. Prior to joining as a faculty member, he served as a Carolina Postdoctoral Program for Faculty Diversity Fellow. He earned his Ph.D in Psychology at Yale University, an M.A. in Psychology from Northwestern University, and a B.A. in Psychology from The University of Texas at Austin.
Graduate Students
Asha Hinson, BA
Asha Hinson is a second-year doctoral student in the Social Psychology program at UNC. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Smith College, with a dual major in Psychology and Africana Studies, which has grounded her interdisciplinary interest in exploring the intricate connections between social identity, interpersonal interactions, racial inequalities, and their far-reaching implications. In her current work, Asha delves into the multidimensional elements of intergroup contact, aiming to uncover the contextual nuances embedded within these interactions. By exploring the broader consequences of intergroup contact in various environments—ranging from academic institutions to organizational settings—she seeks to understand how these dynamics influence inter-and-intragroup attitudes, diversity and inclusion efforts, and collective action. In her journey as a Ph.D. student, Asha aspires to contribute valuable insights that can foster understanding, reduce conflict, and strengthen cohesion within diverse social landscapes. Beyond her academic pursuits, Asha's passion for photography is vibrant, and she wields her film camera as a creative lens through which to observe the world. When not behind the camera or engrossed in research , she can often be found on the tennis court, rallying with friends and embracing the camaraderie of the game.
Wen Yin, BS & BA
Wen Yin is a first-year doctoral student in the Social Psychology program at UNC. She graduated with BS and BA degrees from Purdue University, with majors in Psychology, Cultural Anthropology, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Her research and education cultivated her interest in the sociopolitical implications of racialized and xenophobic animalistic dehumanization. She aims to identify ways to mitigate such dehumanization, prompt coalition building, and explore the role of education in challenging structures of power. Ultimately, Wen strives to apply her research to critical pedagogy, with the goal of fostering critical consciousness, radical empathy, and collective action among diverse communities. Outside of academia, Wen enjoys exploring her creative side with cooking, making all kinds of crafts, and creating interior designs in sims. As a food anthropology geek, she also loves to learn about foodscape and work at local food pantries or community kitchens in her free time.
Linkedin
Lab Members
Our lab members are fellow grad students associated with other labs and mentors across the social psychology department who work closely with us as members of the family.
Research Staff
A’sjei M. Scott, BS
A’sjei Scott is the Lab Manager for the Rucker Lab at UNC. They graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a B.S in psychology and a minor in Applied Sciences and Engineering. Before working with Dr. Rucker on research, they developed their interest in psychology research as a research assistant studying language and gender with Dr. Arnold, and focused their passion for social change through an administrative internship at the Durham Housing Authority and volunteer experience with the Durham Youthworks Internship Program. When not engaged in research, A’sjei tends to spend their time visiting friends, exploring designs in fashion and geometric wall art, and learning about astronomy, physics, and other science topics.
Undergraduate Research Assistants
We currently have one undergraduate RA assisting our lab members and affiliates with their research.
Madeline Dolander graduates this semester, and dedicates several hours a week to facilitating in person research studies on how individuals interact with each other, as well as working on a selection of independent projects of their choosing from different Rucker Lab affiliated graduate students.
And, this could be you!
We are currently accepting applications for an additional 395 RA for next semester! If you’re interested in joining, we highly recommend checking out our Join Us page to learn more about the application process. We look forward to hearing from you!
Lab Pups
Blue & Augie
