James T. Carter Q&A
What is your research about?
My research focuses on understanding the current diversity landscape by examining the psychological and contextual factors that shape when and which diversity efforts successfully improve stakeholder outcomes and experiences – particularly those of Black Americans and workers. By looking at organizational approaches and responses as well as interpersonal behavior, my work takes a full system view of diversity, equity and inclusion in organizations and society broadly.
How did you become interested in your field?
In academia, we have a saying that "research is MEsearch." I think for me (and most scholars) there is a great deal of truth to it. I received a scholarship to attend a prestigious, mostly White boarding school in my hometown of Austin, Texas. That experience sparked a lot of the early thoughts that led to my research program, which started as an undergraduate psychology major working in a discrimination and stigma lab.
What impact do you hope your research will have?
As a scholar who studies organizational behavior, my hope is that my findings are able to directly and positively influence how organizations consider, talk about, and enact diversity policies and programming.
What attracted you to the ILR School?
I was trained as a scholar in a department comprised of psychologists, sociologists, and economists. All three of these fields have influenced my theoretical, methodological, and empirical approach to research, so when it came time to move on, I knew I wanted to be at a school and in a department that valued my training and interdisciplinary collaboration. Further, the ILR School has a very strong reputation of being an intellectually diverse school that focuses on workplace issues by centering employees and their experiences. As a diversity scholar this storied history really spoke to me.
What are you most excited for about your time at ILR?
I am most excited to meet my new colleagues and get immersed in all that ILR has to offer—particularly the vast research centers and hubs like CAHRS (Center for Advanced Human Resource Studies) and CAROW (Center for Applied Research on Work), which bring together scholars and practitioners interested in solving pressing workplace issues.
If you could share one piece of advice with your students, what would it be?
The best advice I got during undergrad that I have carried with me is to not be ashamed to ask for help. Being at a place like Cornell can probably feel like you shouldn't need to ask for help, but I want to remind and encourage students that this is the best time to flex those self-advocacy muscles – especially first-generation and marginalized students.
Besides your work, what's something that you're passionate about?
I am very passionate about food – both eating it and cooking it! I often spend weekends testing new recipes and hosting friends for dinner parties; cooking for others is a labor of love. I am excited about all the produce and wine the Finger Lakes region has to offer!
What’s something people are surprised to learn about you?
People are often surprised to learn that I'm an avid volleyball player and have been since high school. Indoor, sand, grass, and concrete—I play it all!