Monica Biernat, Ph.D.

Monica Biernat, Ph.D.
  • Associate Chair
  • University Distinguished Professor

Contact Info

Phone Number:
785-864-9815
Fraser Hall, Room #405
Lawrence
1415 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 66045

Personal Links

Education —

Ph.D. in Psychology (Social), University of Michigan
M.A. in Psychology, University of Michigan
B.A. in Psychology and Communication, University of Michigan

Research —

  • Social judgment and judgment standards
  • Stereotyping
  • Prejudice
  • Discrimination

Teaching —

  • Social psychology
  • Research methods
  • Social cognition

Selected Publications —

Biernat, M., Zhao, X., & Watkins, E. C. (2024). Names matter: Implications of name “whitening” for ethnic minority discrimination and well-being. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 33, 220-225. https://doi.org/10.1177/09637214241247017

Biernat, M., Zhao, X., Watkins, E., & Leonardelli, G. (2025). Effects of name learning and name use on inter-ethnic perceptions. Group Processes and Intergroup Relations.

Mosley, A. J., Biernat, M., & Adams, G. (2023). Sociocultural engagement in a colorblind racism framework influences perceptions of cultural appropriation. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 108, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2023.104487

Sesko, A., & Biernat, M. (2025). Experienced invisibility and well-being among people with multiple stigmatized identities. Self and Identity. https://doi.org/10.1080/15298868.2025.2526451

Zhao, X., & Biernat, M. (2023). Status of immigrants’ country of origin and Americans’ assimilation expectations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 122, 443-468. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000370