Hetvi Desai is a doctoral student in School Psychology. Having immigrated to the U.S. from India as a child, Hetvi's personal experience has informed her research interests. She focuses on adjustment and acculturation in school systems, specifically examining how cultural identities impact immigrant children’s experiences. Her research also explores the impact of intersecting marginalized identities on children’s educational outcomes, as well as how cultural identity can act as a risk or protective factor for behavioral and learning challenges. Hetvi holds a B.S. in Psychological Sciences from Purdue University and an M.A. in Applied Clinical Psychology from Penn State Behrend.
Outside of academic pursuits, Hetvi enjoys reading and expressing her creativity through fiction and poetry writing. She also participates in various fandoms, including Marvel and Percy Jackson.
Specializations and Interests
Immigration, Equity, Ethnic Identity, Identity
