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Tierra Stimson

Associate Professor of Practice
Headshot of faculty member Tierra Stimson
stimsont@arizona.edu

I am an Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona, where I began teaching in 2015. In 2026, I joined the Psychology Department after teaching in both the College of Applied Science and Technology and the College of Information Science. I earned my Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of California Riverside, with graduate training in social and personality psychology and specialization in cognitive, developmental and quantitative psychology. 

My teaching spans psychology, statistics, and research methods across in-person, hybrid, and fully online formats, with a strong emphasis on inclusive, accessible course design and the use of Open Educational Resources. Drawing on my applied experience in the public and private sectors—including child welfare, education research and evaluation, and consulting—I intentionally integrate real-world examples, data, and case-based learning into my classes to enhance student engagement, relevance, and career skill development, particularly for diverse and non-traditional learners.

Research Interests:

  • Teaching and Learning in Psychology, Statistics, and Data Science: Evidence-based pedagogy, statistical thinking, simulation-based inference, and student engagement in quantitative and applied courses.
  • Online, Inclusive, and Accessible Education with OER: High-quality online course design, accessibility and usability, Quality Matters–aligned practices, and the development and use of Open Educational Resources to support diverse and non-traditional learners.
  • Student Motivation, Self-Regulated Learning, and Retention: Growth mindset, engagement, persistence, and psychosocial factors that support student success in higher education.
  • Personality, Goals, and Well-Being: Personality traits, goal pursuit and attainment, and their implications for motivation, learning, and well-being across the lifespan.

Updated: 12/22/25

Selected Publications:

Updated: 01/12/26

Degrees

  • A.S. General Studies, Cuesta Community College (2000)
  • A.A. Early Childhood Education, Cuesta Community College (2000)
  • B.S. Liberal Studies (Psychology, Statistics Minor), California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (2003)
  • M.A. Psychology, University of California Riverside (2006)
  • Ph.D. Psychology (Social/Personality), University of California Riverside (2009)