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Gretchen Nihill
Research Assistant/ Coordinator at Project Implicit, Inc.
Professional Background
Gretchen Nihill has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between research and community engagement. With a strong foundation in both psychology and East Asian studies, Gretchen has focused her research efforts on empowering individuals with the tools and information necessary to enact positive change within their communities. She holds a firm belief that meaningful research should be shared widely, encapsulated in her motto, "Nothing about us, without us!" Her diverse array of experiences in academic settings and various organizations underpins her commitment to community-focused research and education.
Gretchen's professional journey commenced as a Research Assistant/Coordinator at Project Implicit, Inc., where she actively contributed to research initiatives aimed at understanding implicit bias and its societal impacts. This position allowed her to collaborate with a team of leading researchers and engage in projects that foster awareness about bias and discrimination.
In addition to her role at Project Implicit, Gretchen has a rich background in education, having formerly served as an English Teacher at HiLink Education. This experience helped her hone her teaching skills, equipping her with valuable insights into the needs of students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, her time as a Research Intern at Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development allowed Gretchen to explore critical issues related to children and digital media—a field that is increasingly relevant in today’s technology-driven world.
Gretchen further expanded her research capabilities as the Research Project Lead at the Mind and Identity in Context Lab, where she steered projects examining how identity interacts with mental processes and social contexts. This role demonstrated her leadership skills and ability to drive research efforts from inception to conclusion.
Her extensive volunteer work includes serving as a Student Representative at the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington, where she represented her peers and contributed to discussions on academic policies and student engagement. Her proactive involvement in the academic community solidified her commitment to fostering inclusivity in educational settings.
Gretchen's passion for sharing knowledge and fostering collaborative partnerships is also evident from her engagements as a Guest Lecturer at Indiana University Bloomington. Through this role, she was able to share insights from her research while mentoring aspiring students.
Education and Achievements
Gretchen Nihill's academic background is both diverse and comprehensive, featuring studies across various disciplines. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Indiana University Bloomington, where she laid the groundwork for her understanding of human behavior and cognitive processes. This training is vital for her current work, which focuses on the intersection of psychology, culture, and community engagement.
In addition to her Psychology degree, Gretchen also pursued a Bachelor's degree in East Asian Studies at the same institution. Her studies in East Asian cultures enable her to address global issues with a nuanced understanding, particularly as they relate to community dynamics and cultural interactions.
Gretchen further enriched her education by studying at Sungkyunkwan University and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, where she studied social sciences. These international experiences not only expanded her worldview but also allowed her to appreciate the diverse cultural contexts of social issues, informing her research and teaching methodologies.
The combination of her education in psychology and East Asian studies, along with her in-depth engagements in social sciences, positions Gretchen as a well-rounded professional who can advocate for nuanced community engagement initiatives. Her academic journey reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and the belief that education should empower individuals to create their own narratives.
Achievements
Throughout her academic and professional career, Gretchen Nihill has achieved several milestones that emphasize her dedication to research and community engagement. As the Practicum Student at Mathers Museum of World Cultures, she gained invaluable skills in cultural research and curatorial practices. This experience has reinforced her ability to appreciate the contextuality of different communities, a theme present in much of her work.
Her involvement in the ASPIRE Study Abroad Program at Indiana University Bloomington allowed her to act as an Ambassador, cultivating a global perspective among fellow students and facilitating cultural exchange experiences. This role underscores her belief in expanding opportunities for cultural dialogue—essential for fostering community solidarity and understanding.
Gretchen’s contributions to research and her active participation in educational initiatives showcase not only her expertise in her field but also her passion for empowering others. Her work seeks to democratize knowledge and ensure that everyone has access to the resources necessary to promote positive changes in their localities.
Gretchen Nihill exemplifies the spirit of inquiry and advocacy, continually striving to make significant contributions to the community through her research, teaching, and engagement. She remains dedicated to the principle that knowledge is most powerful when shared and that empowering individuals leads to transformative change.
As she continues her professional journey, Gretchen Nihill becomes an inspiring figure in the fields of psychology, education, and community engagement, consistently reminding us that together, we can achieve more than we can alone.