University of Michigan - Psychology
Educator, Scholar, Advocate
Benjamin
Blankenship
Harrisonburg, Virginia
I am an Assistant Professor of Psychology at James Madison University. I received my Ph.D. in Psychology from the Personality and Social Contexts Area of The Department of Psychology at University of Michigan.
My research interests primarily include identity dimensions, as well as stigma directed toward individuals with concealable identities and its effect on socio-political engagement and belonging.
Bachelor's Degree
Psychology
I attended Arizona State University from August 2009 to May 2013. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Psychology, and a concurrent honors distinction from Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University.
I also was an active member in several organizations, including Sigma Phi Beta Fraternity, where I was Chapter Director during the 2012-13 academic year. I also was a Community Assistant during the 2010-11 academic year, and a Senior Community assistant during the 2011-12 and 2012-13 academic years for Arizona State University's Housing Department.
Community Assistant
In this position I learned to help freshman college residents with their adjustment to the new college environment. My duties included setting up in hall programs, hosting educational events, being part of a safety and security rotation for my building, and providing medical, social, and psychological first responder services to a building of up to 900 people. I was also solely in charge of a floor of 50 residents, where my duties were to attend to their needs, from helping them navigate through roommate conflicts, to finding on campus jobs.
Senior Community Assistant
I provide freshmen residents with access to University Resources and provide them with the tools necessary to succeed in college. My responsibilities include supervision and management of a team of Community Assistant peers.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology
Psychology (Personality and Social Contexts)
I received my Ph.D. in Personality and Social Contexts Psychology at The University of Michigan.
Graduate Student
My primary responsibilities as a graduate student on fellowship at the University of Michigan are to perform my own psychological research, while assisting my adviser with her research program.
Graduate Student Instructor
My responsibilities as a Graduate Student Instructor go above and beyond my responsibilities as a graduate student at The University of Michigan. Responsibilities include assisting a professor with teaching for an undergraduate class. Tasks including, guest lectures, leading several discussion sections, grading, proctoring, and holding office hours.