Lecturer II , Psychological Sciences
- Ph.D., Developmental Psychology, The University of Texas in Austin
- M.A., Developmental Psychology, The University of Texas in Austin
- B.A., Psychology, University of California San Diego
Dolly Rojo, PhD, teaches courses in developmental and general psychology, including Introduction to Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development, Human Lifespan Development, Research Methods in Psychology, and Careers in Psychology. Dr. Rojo maintains an active research program that involves undergraduate students in all stages of the process. Her research examines bilingual language development and the intersection of children’s cultural identity and linguistic experiences.
Professional Experience
Rojo’s research explores the social and cognitive factors that shape children’s bilingual and metalinguistic development. Her prior work has assessed how preschool-aged children’s experiences with non-native speakers, even when minimal, influence their awareness of linguistic diversity and their ability to see non-native speakers as valuable sources of information. More recently, she has been investigating how newly acquired languages become integrated into children’s developing sense of self and cultural identity. Through the Little Athenians Lab, she and her undergraduate research team collaborate with local dual-immersion elementary schools to collect data on language, identity, and development.
Rojo’s work has been presented at regional and national psychology conferences, and her research students regularly present their findings through university venues. She is passionate about mentoring first-generation and underrepresented students in psychology, both in the classroom and the lab.
Areas of Interest
Rojo teaches courses across the psychology curriculum, with a focus on developmental psychology and research training. Her courses include Introduction to Psychology, Child and Adolescent Development, Human Lifespan Development, Research Methods in Psychology, and Careers in Psychology.