Research overview

As a researcher, I am constantly driven by curiosity. This sense of curiosity leads me to explore the experiences of racialized Canadians like myself. Over time, I have seen my research interests transform, but a commonality remains: a dedication to anti-racism and amplifying the voices of racialized minority Canadians.

In undergrad, I became interested in prejudice expressed through Facebook comments, particularly exploring the personality traits that drive such behaviour. My observations in this area sparked my first study, which I developed with my advisor, Dr. Kathryn Lafreniere. This project and Dr. Lafreniere’s support inspired me to pursue research.

For my master's research, my focus shifted to examining bicultural stress among second and third-generation ethnic minority Canadians. This topic was inspired by the stories shared by my co-workers, many of whom, like me, navigated the unique stressors of being second-generation Canadians. Their experiences were so intertwined with mine that I thought, "Why not create a study around this?"

My master’s work led to my Ph.D. dissertation which investigates name-based microaggressions within the Canadian education system. This study aims to identify the effects of racial microaggressions, the underlying power dynamics within the education system, and how they shape students’ experiences navigating the K-12 and postsecondary contexts. My research uses critical race theory and the microaggressions framework to highlight counter-narratives that deepen our understanding of racism's effects.

I am also open to research unrelated to my personal interests. The beautiful thing about research is that there is so much we don’t know. Because of this, when there are opportunities to branch out, I try to take them. I have assisted in research studies on intergenerational conflict among Chinese Canadian emerging adults, disability representation in the media, and cancer survivors’ experiences with returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo by Nick McInnis (2023)

Manuscripts in progress

In preparation

  • Kane, D., Lafreniere, K., Rajacich, D., Hamm, C., Tran, C. (In preparation). Redefining Normal: Experiences of Cancer Survivors’ Return to Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Publications

Peer-reviewed journal articles

  • Tran, C. (2024). Investigating the impact of racial microaggressions on Black, racialized, and Indigenous students: a narrative synthesis. Race Ethnicity and Education, 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1080/13613324.2024.2447118

  • Tran, C., Lafreniere, K. D., Kuo, B. C. H. & Edmunds, K. (2024). “It’s the Best of Both Worlds!”: Investigating Bicultural Stress in Adult Bicultural Canadians. Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Studies, 11(1), 58–79. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/1870

Theses

  • Tran, C. (2021). Social Contexts in Ethnic Identity Development: How Does it Affect Bicultural Stress Between Generations? Master’s thesis. University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario. https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/etd/8617/

  • Tran, C. (2016). Prejudice in Facebook Comments. Undergraduate Honours Thesis. University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario.

Non-refereed reports, manuals, & other contributions

  • Tran, C. (2024). Participant Pool Coordinator Manual 4th Edition. Department of Psychology, University of Windsor.

  • Tran, C. (2022, 2023). Specific Guidelines for Honours Undergraduate Students. Department of Psychology, University of Windsor.

  • Ly, C., Ripley-McNeil, E., Tran, C. & Zhang, L. (2021). Youth Program Evaluation Plan. Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex.

  • Tran, C. (2021, June 15). University of Windsor - Psychology Participant Pool Presentation [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApLr-NEvJGI

  • Ly, C., Tran, C., & Buchanan, L. (2021). Participant Pool Coordinator Manual 3rd Edition. Department of Psychology, University of Windsor.

  • Ly, C., Tran, C., & Buchanan, L. (2021). Participant Pool Researcher Manual 6th Edition. Department of Psychology, University of Windsor.

  • Ly, C., Tran, C., & Buchanan, L. (2021). Participant Pool Participant Manual 4th Edition. Department of Psychology, University of Windsor.

  • Tran, C. & Buchanan, L. (2020). Psychology Participant Pool Information for Instructors. Department of Psychology, University of Windsor.

  • Tran, C. (2020). Evaluation of the “Dating and relationships: A Canadian perspective” workshop. Sexual Misconduct Response and Prevention Office, University of Windsor.

• Kane, D., Lafreniere, K.., Rajacich, D., Hamm, C., Tran, C., Unnikrishnan Nair, N. (2024, March 20). Redefining Normal: Experiences of Cancer Survivors’ Return to Work. [Oral presentation]. UWill Discover Sustainable Futures 2024, Windsor, ON, Canada

• Tran, C. (2023, Dec 1). The Impact of First Names in Everyday Interactions. [Poster presentation]. Words in the World International Conference 2023, Online.

• Tran, C. (2023, June 25). Racial Microaggressions within the Education Systems: A Systematic Review [Poster presentation]. CPA’s 84th Annual National Convention, Toronto, ON, Canada

• Tran, C. (2016, May). Prejudice in Facebook Comments [Poster presentation]. Ontario Psychology Undergraduate Thesis Conference, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

• Skakoon-Sparling, S., Richards, J., Tran, C., Zuccato, B., & Cramer. K. (2014). Participants’ Quotidian Exposure to Erotica Impacts Psychological Responses [Poster presentation]. Sex Researchers Forum (CSRF), Kingston, ON, Canada

Presentations

Selected guest lectures & workshops taught

  • Tran, C. (2023, March 2). Racial Microaggressions in Education [PowerPoint slides]. Department of Psychology, University of Windsor.

  • Tran, C. (2023, September 21). Lunch and Learn Topic: Racial Microaggressions [PowerPoint slides]. Department of Psychology, University of Windsor. https://www.uwindsor.ca/psychology/sites/uwindsor.ca.psychology/files/tran_carolyn_-_lunch_and_learn_sept_21_racial_microaggressions.pdf