CRESP Research Lab
The Culturally Responsive Evidence-based Practices in School Psychology (CRESP) Lab conducts research that supports the well-being and learning of children, as well as their families and communities. The CRESP Lab is comprised of school psychology Ph.D. students and undergraduate research assistants mentored by Dr. Anisa Goforth.
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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.
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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 (Email: anisa.goforth@umontana.edu)
Doctoral Students: Dr. Goforth will not be taking a doctoral student for next admissions cycle (Fall 2027). Dr. Goforth is a part of the Directory of School Psychology Faculty Addressing Culture and Diversity.
Recognition & Impact
Dr. Goforth earns $3.75 million grant
Recent Book Publication
Dr. Goforth and Dr. Andy Pham published Culturally Responsive School-based Practices: Supporting Mental Health and Learning of Diverse Students in 2023.
Our Research in the Media
Featured Awards
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Dr. Anisa Goforth and Dr. Jinjing Sun earned UM the 2024 Public Impact Research Award for their work on Project SELA (Social Emotional Learning in Arlee). The award celebrates research that has produced an extraordinary public impact.
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Dr. Amy Violante, a former CRESP lab doctoral student, won the fellowship, which has the goal of reducing disparities in mental health and substance use, in November 2020.
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Undergraduate research assistants Lacey DeSalles, Jacinda Lovejoy, and Jack Michaels under supervision of Olivia Holter, doctoral student, received the 2018 UMCUR Award
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Dr. Lindsey Nichols and Dr. Goforth's project received funding to create a mental health training for rural teachers.
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Philip (PJ) Thomas, Dr. Goforth's undergraduate research assistant won a prestigious $5000 grant from Psi Chi, the National Honor Society of Psychology.