Educational Leader and Advocate for Inclusive Learning
Dr. Adaurennaya “Ada” Onyewuenyi, Ph.D., is an expert in the field of developmental and educational psychology, focusing on the experiences of Black youth and emerging adults within the African diaspora. Her research examines social inequities in education, mental health, and identity development, exploring how young people navigate racism and build resilience.
Advancing Research on Black Youth Development
As an Associate Professor at The College of New Jersey, Dr. Onyewuenyi teaches courses on lifespan development, racial and ethnic identity, and psychological research methods. She is also a member of the Committee Against Anti-Black Racism (CAABR), working to promote anti-racist practices within academia.
Progressive Psychology Courses Focused on Improving Student Wellness and Outcomes
Dr. Onyewuenyi explores social inequities in educational attainment, access, and mental health, with a focus on how ethnically diverse youth navigate systemic racism while striving for academic and emotional well-being. It also examines the role of cultural and peer influences in shaping their approaches to conflict resolution and reconciliation.
Dr. Onyewuenyi is a distinguished author, known for Hidden in Blackness and Being Black and Being an Immigrant in U.S. Schools. Her work has also been featured in peer-reviewed journals, addressing topics like educational access, conflict resolution, and mental health disparities. She leads the Identity Development across the African Diaspora (IDAD) Lab, mentoring students and advancing research that fosters equity and inclusion.
Contributing to Scholarship and Community Impact
“Acknowledge that everyone, no matter who you are and where you grew up, has a culture — and that shapes how you interact with the world.”
— Ada Onyewuenyi, Ph.D.
