Daisuke Akiba (Ph.D., Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Brown University, 2000) investigates the experiences of individuals of color, as they relate to the demands and characteristics of various settings—such as the classroom, families, and neighborhoods.
Upon completing his graduate training in child development and social psychology, he gained his post-doctoral training at Center for the Study of Human Development at Brown University (2000-2002). His post-doctoral work was pursued under a network of scholars representing a wide variety of disciplines (e.g., Psychology, Pediatrics, History, Anthropology, Sociology, Education, etc.), examining the psychological, social, and educational experiences of children of color and children from immigrant families.
Reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of the training he has received, his recent research agendas have included:
(1) An empirical investigation of the definition of “family participation in children’s education” across communities;
(2) [Cultural] mistrust among students of color toward their teachers and its implications for achievement motivation;
(3) Cultural retention as a predictor of academic achievement among Asian-American children from immigrant families;
(4) The multiplicity and fluidity of identities among children of color and children from immigrant families;
(5) An ethnographic exploration of the daily lives of children attending urban public schools; and
(6) Sociological analyses of the trends in social and educational characteristics among various Asian-American immigrant groups.
At the City University of New York, he has a primary appointment to teach Child Development and Research (Queens College), with joint appointments in Doctoral Programs in Educational Psychology and Urban Education (The Graduate School and University Center). Graduate students (and motivated upper-level undergraduate students) interested in gaining research experience in such fields as psychology, education, and child development are encouraged to contact him via e-mail to inquire about the research opportunities currently available (some paid graduate research assistant positions are often available, while students may choose instead to earn independent study credit, if eligible).
Recent publications (as of summer, 2004):
Akiba, D., Szalacha, L. & Garcia Coll, C. T. (2004). Multiplicity of Identities during the Middle Childhood: Conceptual and Methodological Considerations. New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development, 104, 45-60.
Akiba, D. & Garcia Coll, C.T. (2004) Effective Interventions with Children of Color and their Families: A Contextual Developmental Approach. In T. B. Smith (Ed.). Practicing Multiculturalism: Internalizing and Affirming Diversity in Counseling and Psychology. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
Akiba, D., & Miller, F. (in press). Expression of cultural sensitivity in the presence of African-Americans: An analysis of motives. Small Group Research.
Akiba, D. (in press). Japanese Americans. In P.G. Min (Ed.). Asian Americans: Contemporary Trends and Issues [2nd Ed]. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Akiba, D. (in press). Ethnic Retention and School Performance. In P.G. Min (Ed.). Racism in the United States. Westport, CT: Greenwood.
Akiba, D. (in press). The Internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. In P.G. Min (Ed.). Racism in the United States. Westport, CT: Greenwood.
Akiba, D. (in press). Cambodians and Education. In H. Ling & A. Austin (Eds). Asian American History and Culture. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe.
Akiba, D. (in press). Shikata Ga Nai: The Sense of Helplessness among Japanese American Internees. In H. Ling & A. Austin (Eds). Asian American History and Culture. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe.
Garcia Coll, C. T., Akiba, D., Palacios, N., et al. (2002). Parental Participation in Their Children’s Education: Lessons from Three Immigrant Groups. Parenting: Science and Practice, 2, 303-324.