Dr. Kimberly Rios

Biography

Dr. Kimberly Michelle Rios is a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Illinois. Her research primarily focuses on social-personality psychology, specifically examining how individuals derive their identities from social categories such as race, ethnicity, religion, and gender. She investigates how these identities influence responses to perceived threats and the dynamics between majority and minority group members. Rios studies the perceptions of threat that majority groups, particularly White/European Americans, hold towards minority groups and seeks to understand the underlying reasons for these attitudes. She also investigates the causes and consequences of stereotyping and prejudice, particularly in relation to religious groups within the context of the United States and cross-cultural perspectives. Her work aims to promote understanding and reduce negative feelings associated with multiculturalism, diversity, and social identity. Rios holds a PhD in Organizational Behavior from Stanford University.

Research Interests

Experience