Biography
Hello! My name is Erica Nack and I am a Social Psychology PhD here at the University of Illinois working primarily with Dr. Kim Rios.
Research Interests
My research interests surround the nature and reduction of interpersonal biases and prejudice. My work has investigated various forms of bias reduction (e.g., interpersonal confrontation, increasing group-based sympathy), minorities’ perceptions of allies and ally efforts, and differing perceptions of marginalized groups based on how they are labeled (i.e., “broke” versus “in need”).
Education
PhD, Social Psychology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign August 2022 – Present Advisor: Dr. Kimberly Rios
M. S., Psychology, University of Indianapolis August 2019 – May 2021 Thesis: Implications of Labels for Lower Income Groups on Perceptions and Policy Support Advisor: Dr. Mason D. Burns
B.S., Psychology, University of Indianapolis August 2016– May 2019 Advisor: Dr. Mason D. Burn
Grants
Grants-in-Aid (2024, January) SPSSI ($1,000)
Student Research Awards (2022, October) APADivision 36 ($2,000)
SPSP Small Research Grant (2021, Summer) SPSP ($1,500)
Grant-In-Aid (2019, Summer) SPSSI ($2,000)
Awards and Honors
Graduate Student Research Award (2021, May) University of Indianapolis College of Applied Behavioral Sciences
Highlighted Publications
Burns, M. D., Granz, E. L., & Williams, K. (2022). Support for Native-Themed Mascots and Opposition to Political Correctness. Group Processes and Intergroup Relations. https://doi.org/10.1177/13684302221106924
Burns, M. D. & Granz, E. L. (2022). “Sincere White People, Work in Conjunction with Us”: Racial Minorities’ Perceptions of White Ally Sincerity and Perceptions of Ally Efforts. Group Processes and Intergroup Relations.
Burns, M. D. & Granz, E. L. (2021). “Past injustice and present prejudice”: Political ideology, group-based sympathy, and perceptions of past and present discrimination. Group Processes and Intergroup Relations. https://doi.org/10.1177/13684302211005852
Burns, M. D. & Granz, E. L. (2020). Confronting sexism: Promoting confrontation acceptance and reducing stereotyping through stereotype framing. Sex Roles, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-020-01183-5
