My research focuses on how autistic people are perceived by their peers, how these perceptions differ for autistic people from underrepresented groups, and how to reduce stigma among non-autistic people. I am also interested in using qualitative methods to better understand the experiences of autistic people with intersecting identities, with an emphasis on Black autistic people. For my dissertation, I investigated the relationship between stigmatizing attitudes, peer victimization, and mental health outcomes in Black and White autistic adults.
Jones, Desiree
Bio
Dr. Desiree (Desi) Jones is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and director of the SHINE Lab (Stigma, Human Interaction, and Neurodivergent Experiences) at the University of Maryland. Her research explores how autistic and non-autistic people understand and interact with one another, with a focus on stigma, identity, and masking in social interactions. She often centers the experiences of autistic people from underrepresented groups and uses both experimental and qualitative methods in her work. Dr. Jones welcomes students and collaborators who value neurodiversity-affirming practices and who are excited to build research that is meaningful to autistic communities.
I will be reviewing applications for PhD students in Fall 2025 (to start in Fall 2026).
Degrees
Neuroscience and Psychology double major, Wellesley College, 2016 - BA
Applied Cognition and Neuroscience, University of Texas at Dallas, 2020 - MS
Psychological Sciences with developmental concentration, University of Texas at Dallas, 2023 - PhD
Areas of Interest
autism
stigma
intersectionality
social interaction
social cognition
Desiree Jones
Assistant Professor
| BPS 3127
| drjones@umd.edu