“The challenges of growing up with multiple cultures are receiving most attention in research, but also in society. The time has come to shift attention to the benefits and possibilities. The focus of my research is on understanding and harnessing bicultural strengths.”

Dr. Sheida Novin is assistant professor at the department of Developmental Psychology. She obtained her PhD in Developmental Psychology at Leiden University (Mosaic grant) and worked as a post-doc at the Social Psychology departments of the Universitiy of Michigan and University of Southern California (Marie Curie grant/ Grant from Japanese Studies). 

In her research, her central focus is on the influence of culture on how we feel, think and behave. In one current research project (NWA small project grant), she studies how bicultural adolescents can be guided to consider and leverage their bicultural experiences as a source of strength to thrive in the modern world. Her PhD-candidate Yixin Tang, studies children's self-views from a cultural lens. As teacher, she is involved in the FSW Honours Program and in various courses at the Developmental Psychology department.

Sheida is a member of the VNOP board (treasurer) and an associate editor for the British Journal of Psychology.