Researchers and Research Assistants

Researchers

Dr. Erin I. Smith is a professor of psychology and the director of research for the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at California Baptist University. Dr. Smith studied psychology with an emphasis in cognitive development at the University of California, Riverside where she earned her M.A. (2008) and Ph.D. (2011). Her B.A. in General Psychology is from Point Loma Nazarene University (2006). Dr. Smith has two primary research programs. The first examines cultural and cognitive influences on the development of religious cognition and scientific reasoning, especially as related to whether and why individuals accept, reject, distort or integrate scientific and religious claims. Dr. Smith received the CBU Trustees’ Distinguished Scholar Award in 2018 for this research program. The research project earning the award is titled “Considering the Great Commission: An Exploration of the Social-Cognitive Influences on Science Engagement among Christians.” Her second research program examines school-aged children’s experience of social support at church: how it is experienced, why it matters, and what churches can do to improve their children’s ministry. This second program is discussed under the Church and Development Lab. More about Dr. Smith’s research, including her interest in bridging psychology and theology, can be found here. Dr. Smith is married with three inquisitive children and actively involved in her local church congregation. 

Research Assistants
Since joining the CBU faculty in 2011, I have had the privilege of working with a number of wonderful undergraduate students in research. Although I have none currently working in this lab, I am looking for qualified and motivated students. If this describes you, check out the section on getting involved!