Dr. Virginia Lam | Student diversity and development| Excellence in Research

Dr. Virginia L. Lam is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology at the University of Roehampton, London, where she also leads the MSc Psychology programme. With a PhD in Psychology from Goldsmiths University of London, her research spans bilingual identity, ethnic development, intergenerational adaptation, and child psychology. Her academic journey includes over two decades of teaching and leadership roles at the University of East London and Open University. Dr. Lam has led several externally funded projects focusing on multilingualism, emotional wellbeing, and cultural identity in educational settings. She is currently an Associate Editor for the Social Development journal and plays a key role in curriculum development, student mentoring, and ethical oversight. Her work blends psychological theory with social impact, promoting inclusive education and cultural understanding. A highly regarded supervisor and examiner, Dr. Lam continues to inspire through scholarship, teaching innovation, and impactful research in developmental and social psychology.

Profile

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Education

Dr. Lam holds a PhD in Psychology from Goldsmiths University of London (2003), with a thesis on ethnic identity development in middle childhood. She earned a Master of Science (MRes) in Psychological Research Methods with Distinction from Exeter University in 1999 and a BA (Hons) in Psychology from Cardiff University in 1998, graduating with Upper Second Class Honours. In addition to her core academic qualifications, she completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education at the University of East London in 2004, enhancing her pedagogical proficiency. This combination of high-level training in both psychological research and education forms the foundation of her interdisciplinary approach, integrating rigorous methodology with applied practice in developmental, social, and bilingual psychology. Her educational background underpins her role as a researcher-practitioner, enabling her to navigate and contribute to complex psychological and educational environments with expertise and innovation.

Experience

Dr. Lam’s academic career spans over two decades, including her current role as Senior Lecturer at Roehampton University (2021–present), where she also leads the MSc Psychology and MSc Developmental Psychology programmes. She coordinates research initiatives, ethics review, and curriculum development. Previously, she served at the University of East London from 2004 to 2021 in various capacities, including Programme Leader for BSc Child Psychology and Senior Lecturer, overseeing curriculum design, accreditations, and change management. Earlier roles include associate lectureships at the Open University and a research assistant post at Goldsmiths. Her expertise includes teaching developmental psychology, lifespan development, and self & identity, with strong administrative leadership, student engagement strategies, and cross-institutional collaboration. Dr. Lam also serves as Associate Editor of the Social Development journal, engaging in peer review, editorial decisions, and academic convening. Her sustained excellence in teaching, supervision, research, and programme management reflects a dynamic and impactful career in higher education.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Lam has earned recognition through multiple competitive research grants and leadership roles that reflect her academic distinction. She has secured funding from prestigious institutions such as the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the British Psychological Society (BPS), the Methodist Trust, and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). These awards supported projects on bilingual development, emotional wellbeing in multilingual families, and cross-sector educational adaptation. Her successful RKE bids highlight her ability to lead interdisciplinary, collaborative research with practical societal impact. In 2025, she assumed the role of Associate Editor of Social Development, an honor that underscores her research credibility and scholarly influence. She has also been an invited viva chair and examiner for numerous PhD theses across institutions. Additionally, her consistent involvement in ethics committees, curriculum validation panels, and student progression frameworks reflects peer recognition of her commitment to academic excellence and institutional development.

Research Focus

Dr. Virginia Lam’s research focuses on identity development in multilingual and multicultural contexts, particularly among children and adolescents. Her work investigates how language, culture, and ethnicity shape self-concepts and psychological wellbeing, especially within educational systems. She leads interdisciplinary projects on emotional wellbeing among adult ESOL learners, the cultural adaptation of complementary language schools, and bilingual identity formation among diasporic populations. Methodologically, her studies integrate qualitative and mixed-method approaches, often engaging community partners and schools to bridge academic research with real-world practice. Her earlier longitudinal studies explored executive function, attention control, and cognition in bilingual children, contributing to the understanding of developmental advantages in diverse learning environments. Dr. Lam also supervises PhD projects on intersectionality, trauma, minority mental health, and self-esteem, fostering emerging research in identity, culture, and social equity. Her scholarly contributions are grounded in psychological theory yet extend to civic engagement and inclusive pedagogical innovations in higher education.

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