Dr. Afiya Fredericks

Dr. Afiya Fredericks is an Assistant Professor of Psychology in the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of the District of Columbia. Her research interests include understanding the impact of Growth Mindset —the  belief in the malleability of our intelligence and abilities — and  Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) on achievement and motivation, and best strategies in teaching and implementing Growth Mindset and SEL in various contexts.  Dr. Fredericks studied Implicit Theories of Intelligence throughout her graduate career. She is the former Director of Professional Learning, Implementation & Research at Mindset Works, cofounded by Dr. Carol Dweck, where she supported the implementation of Growth Mindset practices in K-12 Schools, Institutions of Higher Education and Organizations.  For over five years, she has served as an adjunct lecturer at Howard University, teaching research methods and statistics, where she has been able to apply her work on mindsets, and create a classroom culture that embodies those beliefs and supports her students’ success.

A proud US Virgin Islander and lifelong learner, Dr. Afiya Fredericks believes that embodying more of a growth mindset is indeed a process, but one that will support our navigation of challenges, continued learning, and growth.