Deborah Husbands

Dr Deborah Husbands is a sociocultural psychologist focusing on race and ethnicity. She engages with critical race theoretical frameworks such as intersectionality and uses qualitative research methods to explore the experiences of marginalised and minoritised groups. Deborah is a co-investigator on several research projects that include motivations for sharing political disinformation on social media, museum experiences and broadening participation through co-created inclusive digital museum audio, utilisation of a chatbot for advice on sexual health in minoritised ethnic populations, and boosting COVID-19 vaccination intentions through exposure to cultural facemasks in public health messages.

Deborah’s current research investigates the role the impostor phenomenon might play in maintaining the awarding gap in racially-minoritised students in higher education. She works collaboratively with other universities to address issues contributing to an awarding gap. Additional research interests include the benefits of reverse-mentoring for improving outcomes for racially-minoritised students, decolonising the curriculum and exploring students’ sense of belonging.

Deborah is a Chartered Psychologist, holds a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and is an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Deborah is also a Co-Chair for the EDI Committee, Outreach Coordinator for the School of Social Sciences, Co-Chair of the BME Network, and Lead for the Black History Year programme, all at the University of Westminster.