Dr Nida Denson

Areas of Research/Teaching Expertise

Diversity, diversity-related initiatives, educational contexts; student-institution fit; educational access and opportunity, impact of diversity on student development, hierarchical linear modelling, meta-analysis.

Qualifications

PhD (UCLA), MA (CSULB), BA (Wash. U).

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Grants/Current Projects

2012 – 2015
Australian Research Council Linkage Project (LP120200319). Intercultural understanding in primary and secondary schools. $405,000. Halse, C., Mansouri, F., Arrowsmith, C., Moss, J., Arber, R., Denson, N., Priest, N., & Webster, R.

2012 – 2013
Bowling Green State University Research Grant Award. The role of student-institution fit in shaping college student adjustment and achievement. $12,500. Bowman, N., & Denson, N.

2012 UWS Research Grant. The development and validation of an instrument assessing student-institution fit among university students. $16,406. Denson, N.,& Bowman, N.

2012
The United States Studies Centre Research Grant. Expanding student success: The effects of financial aid on developmental and diversity-related outcomes. $5,500. Denson, N. & Park, J.

2011 – 2012
National Australia Bank (NAB), the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA), and the Australian Council for Educational Research's (ACER) Schools First Impact Award. Student as leader / Teacher as researcher. $50,000. MacKinnon, T., Denson, N., & Bansel. P.

2010 – 2013
Australian Research Council Discovery Project (DP1094417)/Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship (APD). Maximising the benefits of diversity in university through cross-cultural interaction. $332,722. Denson, N.

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Publications

Journal Articles

Bowman, N., & Denson, N. (in press, accepted 10 August 2012). Diversity experiences and perceptions of climate among Australian college students. Journal of College Student Development. (ERA ranked C; ISI rated 96 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 0.638)

Bodkin-Andrews, G., Denson, N., & Bansel, P. (in press, accepted 21 February 2012). Teacher racism, academic self-concept, and multiculturation: Investigating adaptive and maladaptive relations with academic disengagement and self-sabotage for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian students. Australian Psychologist. (ERA ranked B)

Angel, E., Craven, R., & Denson, N. (in press, accepted 30 January 2012). The Nurses Self-Concept Instrument (NSCI): Assessment of psychometric properties for Australian domestic and international student nurses. International Journal of Nursing Studies. (ERA ranked A*; ISI rated 1 out of 85 in Nursing; Impact factor = 2.103)

Denson, N., & Bowman, N. (in press, accepted 26 April 2011). University diversity and global citizenship: The role of diversity in shaping intergroup attitudes and civic outcomes. Studies in Higher Education. (ERA ranked A*, ISI rated 65 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 0.922)

Angel, E., Craven, R., & Denson, N. (2012). The Nurses' Self-Concept Instrument (NSCI): A comparison of domestic and international student nurses' professional self-concepts from a large Australian university. Nurse Education Today, 32, 636-640. (ERA ranked A; ISI rated 28 out of 85 in Nursing; Impact factor = 1.113)

Bowman, N., & Denson, N. (2012). What's past is prologue: How precollege exposure to racial diversity shapes the impact of college interracial interactions. Research in Higher Education, 53, 406-425. (ERA ranked A; ISI rated 44 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 1.221)

Bowman, N., & Denson, N. (2011). The integral role of emotion in interracial interactions and college student outcomes. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, 4, 223-235.

Denson, N. & Seltzer, M. (2011). Meta-analysis in higher education: An illustrative example using hierarchical linear modeling. Research in Higher Education, 52, 215-244. (ERA ranked A; ISI rated 44 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 1.221)

Bodkin-Andrews, G., O'Rourke, V., Grant, R., Denson, N., & Craven. R. (2010). Validating racism and cultural respect: Testing the psychometric properties and educational impact of perceived discrimination and multiculturation for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. Educational Research and Evaluation, 16, 471-493. (ERA ranked A)

Denson, N., & Zhang, S. (2010). The impact of student experiences with diversity on developing graduate attributes. Studies in Higher Education, 35, 529-543. (ERA ranked A*, ISI rated 65 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 0.922)

Vogelgesang, L., Denson, N., & Jayakumar, U. (2010). What determines faculty-engaged scholarship? The Review of Higher Education, 33, 437-472. (ERA ranked B, ISI rated 79 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 0.758)

Denson, N., Loveday, T., & Dalton, H. (2010). Student evaluation of courses: What predicts satisfaction? Higher Education Research and Development, 29, 339-356. (ERA ranked A; ISI rated 122 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 0.528)

Park, J., & Denson, N. (2009). Attitudes and advocacy: Understanding faculty views on racial/ethnic diversity. Journal of Higher Education, 80, 415-438. (ERA ranked A; ISI rated 47 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 1.157)

Denson, N. (2009). Do curricular and co-curricular diversity activities influence racial bias? A meta-analysis. (opens in a new window) The Review of Educational Research, 79, 805-838. (ERA ranked A*; ISI rated 2 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 3.127)

Denson, N., & Chang, M. J. (2009). Racial diversity matters: The impact of diversity-related student engagement and institutional context. (opens in a new window) American Educational Research Journal, 46, 322-353. (ERA ranked A*; ISI rated 7 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 2.479)

Astin, A. W., & Denson, N. (2009). Multi-campus studies of college impact: Which statistical method is appropriate? (opens in a new window) Research in Higher Education, 50, 354-367. (ERA ranked A; ISI rated 44 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 1.221)

Oseguera, L., Denson, N., & Hurtado, S. (2008/2009). Hispanic students and the Gates Millennium Scholarship Program: Promising results extending to the third college year. (opens in a new window) Journal of College Student Retention, 10, 307-338. (ERA ranked C)

Denson, N., Oseguera, L., & Hurtado, S. (2008). A profile of Hispanic students transitioning to college: The impact of the Gates Millennium Scholars program. In W. T. Trent & E. P. St. John (Eds.), Readings on Equal Education (Vol. 23, pp. 49-71). New York: AMS Press, Inc.

Gilmartin, S. K., Denson, N., Li, E., & Bryant, A. N. (2007). Gender ratios in high school science departments: The effect of percent female faculty on multiple dimensions of students' science identities. (opens in a new window) Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 44, 980-1009. (ERA ranked A*; ISI rated 4 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 2.728)

Chang, M. J., Denson, N., Sáenz, V., & Misa, K. (2006). The educational benefits of sustaining cross-racial interaction among undergraduates. (opens in a new window) Journal of Higher Education, 77, 430-455. (ERA ranked A; ISI rated 47 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 1.157)

Oseguera, L., Hurtado, S., Denson, N., Cerna, O., & Sáenz, V. (2006). The characteristics and experiences of minority freshmen committed to biomedical and behavioral science research careers. Journal of Women and Minorities in Science and Engineering, 12, 155-177.

Chapters

Denson, N., & Ing, M. (2011). Educational psychology and psychological literacy in higher education: Developmental and cultural aspects of racial diversity. In J. Cranney & D. S. Dunn (Eds.), The Psychologically Literate Citizen: Foundations and Global Perspectives (pp. 104-118). Oxford University Press.

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Manuscripts under Review

Denson, N., & Chang, M. J. (under review – submitted 7 August 2012). Quality not just quantity: Identifying moderators that maximize benefits associated with diversity. Journal of Higher Education. (ERA ranked A; ISI rated 47 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 1.157)

Denson, N., & Bowman, N. (under review – submitted 24 June 2012). The role of campus climates for diversity in shaping university students' intergroup attitudes and civic outcomes. Higher Education Research and Development. (ERA ranked A; ISI rated 122 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 0.528)

Szelényi, K., Denson, N., & Inkelas, K. K. (under review – submitted 20 June 2012). Women in STEM majors and professional outcome expectations: The role of living-learning programs and other college environments. Research in Higher Education. (ERA ranked A; ISI rated 44 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 1.221)

Ing, M., & Denson, N. (under review – submitted 23 May 2012). Entering First-Year Students' Openness to Diversity: A Comparison of Engineering Majors with Other Majors. Journal of Engineering Education. (ERA ranked A*; ISI rated 9 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 2.219)

Bowman, N., & Denson, N. (revise & resubmit – revision submitted 11 May 2012). Diversity experiences and perceptions of climate among Australian college students. Journal of College Student Development. (ERA ranked C; ISI rated 96 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 0.638)

Park, J., Denson, N., & Bowman, N. (revise & resubmit – revision submitted 3 May 2012). Does socioeconomic diversity make a difference? Examining the effects of racial and socioeconomic diversity on cross-racial interaction and diversity-related activities. American Educational Research Journal. (ERA ranked A*; ISI rated 7 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 2.479)

Park, J., Denson, N., & Johnson, M. (under review – submitted 27 February 2012). Examining a financial climate of support: How institutional-level financial aid relates to teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking. Research in Higher Education. (ERA ranked A; ISI rated 44 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 1.221)

Park, J., & Denson, N. (under review – submitted 26 January 2012). When race and class both matter: Understanding the relationship between socioeconomic diversity, cross-class interaction, and racial diversity. Research in Higher Education. (ERA ranked A; ISI rated 44 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 1.221)

Manuscripts in Preparation

Denson, N., Denson, T., & Barlow, A. (in preparation). Creativity induced by multicultural experiences depends on what you learn and who you learn it from. Manuscript in preparation for submission to Journal of Higher Education. (ERA ranked A; ISI rated 47 out of 184 in Education & Educational Research; Impact factor = 1.157)

Invited Talks

Denson, N. (2010, October). Maximising the Benefits of Diversity in University. Social Justice Initiative Seminar. University of Melbourne, Australia.

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Conference Talks

Nylund-Gibson, K., Denson, N., Ing, M., Curtis, A., & Victorino, C. (2012, November). Latent class analysis in higher education. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), Las Vegas, NV.

Park, J. & Denson, N. (2012, November). Examining a financial climate of support: How institutional-level financial aid relates to teamwork, leadership, and critical thinking. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), Las Vegas, NV.

Park, J. & Denson, N. (2011, November). When race and class both matter: Understanding the relationship between socioeconomic diversity, cross-class interaction, and racial diversity. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), Charlotte, NC.

Bowman, N. & Denson, N. (2011, November). What's past is prologue: How precollege exposure to racial diversity shapes the impact of college interracial interactions. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), Charlotte, NC.

Szelenyi, K. & Denson, N. (2011, November). Women in STEM majors and professional outcome expectations: The role of living-learning programs and other college environments. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), Charlotte, NC.

Denson, N. & Park, J. (2011, April). Does Socioeconomic Diversity Make a Difference? Examining the Effects of Racial and Socioeconomic Diversity on Student Engagement with Diversity-Related Activities. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), New Orleans, LA.

Ing, M., & Denson, N. (2011, April). Educational Psychology and Psychological Literacy in Higher Education: Developmental and Cultural Aspects of Racial Diversity. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), New Orleans, LA.

Bodkin-Andrews, Denson, N., & Craven. R. (2010, December). Looking Past Positivity for Indigenous Australian Students: A Preliminary Investigation of Racial Discrimination and the Illusion of Resiliency in Academia. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE), Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

Denson, N., & Chang, M. (2010, November). Maximizing the Benefits of Diversity: Exploring Moderators of Cross-Racial Interaction Among Undergraduates. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), Indianapolis, IN.

Park, J. & Denson, N. (2010, November). Does SES Diversity Make a Difference? Examining the Effects of Racial and SES Diversity on College Student Outcomes. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), Indianapolis, IN.

Denson, N. & Ing, M. (2010, July). Psychological Literacy and Global Citizenship: Why Should Psychology Educators Care? Presented at the International Conference on Psychology Education (ICOPE), Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Dalton, H., & Denson, N. (2009, July). Student Evaluation: What Predicts Satisfaction? Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA), Darwin, NT, Australia.

Denson, N., Zhang, S., & Dalton, H. (2009, July). The Impact of Student Experiences with Diversity on Developing Graduate Attributes. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA), Darwin, NT, Australia.

Levis-Fitzgerald, M., & Denson, N. (2008, April). Using Freshman Seminars to Promote Dialogue, Increase Student/Faculty Interaction, Stimulate Critical Thinking, Encourage Active Participation, and Achieve High Levels of Student and Faculty Satisfaction. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), New York, NY.

Park, J., & Denson, N. (2007, November). Diversity Advocacy Among Faculty: The Forces that Shape It. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), Louisville, KY.

Levis-Fitzgerald, M., & Denson, N. (2007, April). Freshman Seminars: Providing Students with Opportunities for Interaction, Dialogue, Engagement, and Learning. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), Chicago, IL.

Bryant, A., Astin, H., Lindholm, J. A., & Denson, N. (2007, April). The Spiritual Development of College Students: A Typology. Presented at the Joint Meeting of the American College Student Personnel/Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (ACPA/NASPA) Conference, Orlando, FL.

Lindholm, J. A., Denson, N., & Levis-Fitzgerald, M. (2006, November). Undergraduate Initiated Curricular Innovation at UCLA: Embracing the Merits and Challenges of Undergraduates Teaching Undergraduates. Presented at the Annual Lilly Conference on College Teaching, Oxford, OH.

Levis-Fitzgerald, M., & Denson, N. (2006, May). Freshman Seminar Assessment: Capturing the Experience of Student and Faculty Participants. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for Institutional Research (AIR), Chicago, IL.

Denson, N. (2006, April). Do Curricular and Co-Curricular Diversity Activities Influence Racial Bias? A Meta-Analysis. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), San Francisco, CA.

Hurtado, S., Denson, N., Oseguera, L., Cerna, O., & Sáenz, V. (2005, November). The Pre-college Characteristics and Experiences of Minority Students Committed to Scientific Research Careers. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), Philadelphia, PA.

Levis-Fitzgerald, M., & Denson, N. (2005, November). Undergraduate Students Conducting Research in the Life Sciences: Opportunities for Connected Learning. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), Philadelphia, PA.

Vogelgesang, L., Denson, N., & Jayakumar, U. (2005, November). Understanding Faculty Engagement. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), Philadelphia, PA.

Denson, N., & Levis-Fitzgerald, M. R. (2005, May). Undergraduate Research Opportunities in the Life Sciences. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for Institutional Research (AIR), San Diego, CA.

Denson, N., & Yamamura, E. (2005, May). Service and Diverse Interactions in College as Predictors of Civic Engagement in the Post-college Years: Differences Across Institutional Types. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for Institutional Research (AIR), San Diego, CA.

Hurtado, S., Chang, M., Oseguera, L., Sáenz, V., Chang, J., Denson, N., Cerna, O., Mosqueda, C., & Lopez, L. (2005, May). The Pre-college Characteristics and Experiences of Minority Students Committed to the Biomedical and Behavioral Sciences. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for Institutional Research (AIR), San Diego, CA.

Kuo, E. W., & Denson, N. (2005, May). Faculty Course Evaluations: Implementation and Implications for Assessment. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for Institutional Research (AIR), San Diego, CA.

Denson, N., Vogelgesang, L. J., & Sáenz, V. (2005, April). Can Service Learning and a College Climate of Service Lead to Increased Political Engagement After College? Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), Montréal, Quebec.

Sáenz, V., Hurtado, S., Denson, N., Astin, A. W., Oseguera, L., & Locks, A. M. (2005, April). Political Attitudes and Voting Behavior: Predicting the Potential Influence of Young Voters in the 2004 Elections. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), Montréal, Quebec.

Denson, N. (2004, November). The Effects of Structural, Classroom, and Informal Interactional Diversity on Undergraduates: A Hierarchical Linear Modeling Study. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), Kansas City, MO.

Denson, N., Kuo, E., & Levis-Fitzgerald, M. (2004, November). Interact, Interest, Intellect: Developing an Appreciation for Learning Among First-Year Students and Faculty. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), Kansas City, MO.

Levis-Fitzgerald, M., Kerfeld, C., & Denson, N. (2004, November). "Hands-On" Undergraduate Research Opportunities in the Life Sciences: Preparing the Next Generation of Biological Researchers. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE), Kansas City, MO.

Chang, M. J., Denson, N., Sáenz, V., & Misa, K. (2004, May). The Educational Implications of Cross-Racial Interaction among Undergraduates: A Hierarchical Linear Modeling Study. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Association for Institutional Research (AIR), Boston, MA.

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Awards/Honours

2011
Association for Institutional Research (AIR) National Summer Data Policy Institute

2010Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE) Institutes on Equity and Critical Policy Analysis summer fellowship

2007
Nominee, AERA-J Dissertation Award

2006
UCLA Dissertation Year Fellowship

2001 - 2006
UCLA Departmental Fellowship

2001
Outstanding Graduate Student Award, California State University, Long Beach, CA

2001
Phi Delta Gamma National Graduate Honour Society, California State University, Long Beach, CA

Professional Activities

Editorial board member, Journal of College Student Development, 2011 – present

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