EdD, University of Southern California

Steve Desir (He/him/his) is an Assistant Research Professor in the Pullias Center for Higher Education and the USC Race and Equity Center. Steve currently serves as the Director of Professional Development and Organizational Learning for the Equity in Graduate Education Resource Center at USC.

Steve’s research primarily examines racial equity issues in higher education and K-12. More specifically, he is interested in whether insights from social psychology and organizational theory can be used to improve educational experiences for minoritized groups. He earned a master’s degree in education policy and management from Harvard University. Prior to his studies at Harvard, he completed a master’s degree in secondary education from New York University and earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and political science at Penn State.

Steve’s broad experience in K-12 and higher education settings has provided opportunities for him to serve students and staff throughout the K-20 pipeline. In his research and policy work, Steve has collaborated with state departments of education, higher education institutions, education nonprofits and K-12 school districts. His commentary on higher education access and transition issues has appeared in the Washington Post, USA Today, LAist (Southern California Public Radio), and The Hechinger Report.

Expertise
Racial equity in college admissions | Organizational change | Use of theory-based psychological interventions to facilitate behavioral change