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PhD Student
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Nayssan Safavian
PhD Student
Department of Education
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Biography
A concrete educational foundation is not only empowering but develops esteem, promotes creativity, and bestows independence; inspiring future leaders and transforming prospective futures. This is something I truly believe in. I graduated from UCLA with a BA in Psychology in 2004 and my senior undergraduate research thesis investigated into the relationships between adolescent and parental ethnic identity and family patterns of communication. Having garnered some invaluable experiences working with the School Mental Health Project, UCLA Alumni Association, and the American Ballet Theater consequently solidified my aspirations in pursuing a doctoral study in education. I chose the doctoral program at UC Irvine with the Specialization in Learning, Cognition, and Development for these reason and many more. The program offers the faculty, resources, and kind of collaborative experience that suits my personal aspirations and professional goals.
My current research interest lies in understanding the various facets of motivational behavior (Why we do what we do?) and more specifically achievement motivation. As a part of my first year study, I am looking at how early adolescent ethnic identity development will inform student self-efficacy beliefs. Adolescent psychosocial adjustment and achievement have each been linked separately with measures of self-efficacy and ethnic identity. However, there is very little empirical research investigating the associations between identity theories and achievement outcomes.
Separately, I am also interested in the performing arts, particularly dance. The UCI Center for Learning through the Arts will prove instrumental to further exploring and developing my research interest with respect to learning and the arts. Other research interests include various facets of adolescent socio-emotional development, personality and identity factors, and adolescent mental health in schools. My additional commitments include co-chairing the UCLA Alumni Chapter of Orange County and continuing personal growth in the discipline of dance.
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