
Adriana D Cimetta
Adriana Cimetta, PhD, MPH, is an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology. Her expertise is in mixed methods research and evaluation, educational measurement and assessment, STEM and early childhood evaluation, and organizational change. Her research focuses on understanding the dynamics and processes of learning and development based on the backgrounds and experiences of young children and students of all ages. One aspect of her research examines the family, child, and societal characteristics that impact school readiness and health outcomes in early childhood. Another aspect of her research investigates the impact of STEM education and undergraduate research experiences on student retention and persistence in college. Specifically, she examines sense of belonging, self-efficacy, identity, relationships, and institutional policies that influence students’ academic experiences. The processes through which outcomes are achieved, their sustainability, and variability across different student populations are important components in her research and evaluation projects.