CRESP Research Lab
As members of the Culturally Responsive Evidence-based Practices in School Psychology Lab, we conduct research that supports the well-being and learning of children, as well as their families and communities. Using cultural humility, we use science as a tool to collaborate with diverse communities to understand their strengths and recognize strategies to further benefit their children. As scientists-practitioners, we engage in social justice research and advocacy that focus on protecting the educational rights, opportunities, and well-being of all children and their families, and particularly those whose voices and identities have not be adequately represented in research and practice. Additionally, our mission is to pursue rigorous scientific research that uses different research paradigms. We honor and utilize different epistemologies, axiologies, and methodologies in research, recognizing that educational and psychological science are often based in Eurocentric paradigms that may not align with the children, families, and communities with whom we work.
As a community of learners, we value each member’s identity, background, language, and culture. We support each other in our growth as scientists and practitioners. We recognize that academic spaces privilege certain people over others, and we work to create an environment in which all members can be successful, both professionally and personally. We foster a sense of community through our lab structure and activities. Our lab culture is very collaborative, and members who have been part of the lab longer take steps to mentor and support other lab members. We also enjoy the opportunity to connect and spend time with each other outside of work-related activities as well
As members of CRESP lab, we acknowledge that we are in the aboriginal territories of the Séliš and Qlispé people and we acknowledge the tribal nations of the Niitsitapi, Ksanka, Annishnabe, Ne-i-yah-wahk, A'aninin, Nakoda, Lakota, Tsististas, So'taa'eo'o, Apsaalooke, Annishnabe, and Metis. We honor the path they have always shown us in caring for this place for the generations to come.
Interested in being a member of the CRESP Lab?
Undergraduate Research Assistants: If you are an undergraduate student in Psychology and you are interested in joining the lab, please email Dr. Goforth.
Doctoral Students: Dr. Goforth will be taking at least one doctoral student in AY 2024-2025. Students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. Dr. Goforth is a part of the Directory of School Psychology Faculty Addressing Culture and Diversity.
The PhD Program in School Psychology is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association. See the press release here.
News About the Lab
NEW BOOK is out by Dr. Goforth and Dr. Andy Pham titled Culturally Responsive School-based Practices: Supporting Mental Health and Learning of Diverse Students.
Dr. Goforth's work is highlighted in the podcast The Testing Psychologist!
One of our very own, Amy Violante, was highlighted in The College Tour from Prime Video!
Amy Violante wins the American Psychological Association Interdisciplinary Minority Fellowship which has a goal of reducing disparities in mental health and substance use (November 2020).
Three doctoral students from the CRESP Lab received prestigious post-doctoral fellowships and were highlighted by the Missoulian (May 2019).
Undergraduate research assistants Lacey DeSalles, Jacinda Lovejoy, and Jack Michaels under supervision of Olivia Holter, doctoral student, were received the 2018 UMCUR Award at the University of Montana Conference of Undergraduate Research.
Dr. Goforth was interviewed for the newspaper The Philadelphia Inquirer about Muslim children being bullied.
The American Psychological Association's Monitor on Psychology highlighted Dr. Goforth and colleague's research.
Dr. Goforth and colleagues' research was highlighted related to working with Arab American youth.
Dr. Lindsey Nichols and Dr. Goforth's project receive funding to create a mental health training for rural teachers.
Dr. Goforth's research on YETI, a social skills intervention, was highlighted in the University of Montana Vision Magazine.
Philip (PJ) Thomas, Dr. Goforth's undergraduate research assistant won a prestigious $5000 grant from Psi Chi, the National Honor Society of Psychology.
The Autism Onslaught: UM Researchers Develop Programs to Help Montanans cope with Disorder