SSI-VR
The Stereotyping and Social Interactions Virtual Reality Lab
Our lab examines three distinct but interrelated issues: how people 1) engage in interracial interactions, 2) experience and perceive race and gender in academic and workplace contexts and in racialized physical spaces, and 3) learn about and engage in social justice action. Across these areas, we examine virtual reality (VR) as a tool to reduce bias and systemic racism in individuals, interracial interactions, and institutions.
Stereotypes in Interracial Interactions
Race Relations in
Virtual Reality
Social Identity and
Stereotype Threat
Social Justice Education
& Collective Action
Sandra Manfreda, M.S., successfully defends her Master's Thesis!
October 2025 — Congratulations to our team member, Sandra Manfreda, M.S., who successfully defended her Master’s Thesis this month! Her work, entitled “The Color of Friendship: Examining Barriers and Bridges of Disclosure and Responsiveness in Cross-race Friendship,” highlights the asymmetry in disclosure outcomes for cross-race friends and avenues for strengthening interracial friendships. We look forward to seeing this work unfold in the months to come!
The SSI-VR lab welcome new post-doc, Dr. Chelsea Allen to Rutgers!
Sept 2025 — Dr. Chelsea Allen joins the SSI-VR lab from Columbia University. Her work centers on examining and developing emerging technology applications (i.e., social media platforms, virtual reality (VR)) to support culturally congruent mental health interventions for Black women. We are excited to welcome her to the SSI-VR family!
The SSI-VR lab welcomes lab managers Sakshi Malaviya & Kayla Jenkins
Research accepted at GPIR!
April 2025 — Dr. Taylor publishes new work with former SSI-VR postdoc, Cailtyn Yantis, Ph.D. (Villanova University), Identity-safety cues racial minorities seek and detect during
interactions with Whites, at the journal Group Processes and Intergroup Relations.
Summer 2025 — The team is excited to work with Sakshi and Kayla as they transition to the lab manager roles this academic year! Please learn more about them here.
SPSP 2025 Poster Winner!
February 2025 — Congrats to graduate student Sandra Manfreda on winning the SPSP 2025 poster award for her research on meta-stereotypes and women in STEM contexts! See Sandi with her award on our Team page! Next stop: publication!