Calvin Sims

Psychology
Undergraduate Advisor
Senior Lecturer

Office: Terrill Hall-370

Calvin.Sims@unt.edu

UNT Eagle
Curriculum Vitae S.I.M.S. LAB
 
Education
North Carolina State University - Raleigh, North Carolina (2019)
 
Background, Teaching & Research Interests
Hello everyone, I'm Dr. Sims. I’m a student-centered professor who believes deeply in the power of psychology to help us better understand ourselves, our communities, and the world around us. Psychology is an incredible science, and one of my greatest joys as a teacher is helping students see how psychological principles apply to their everyday lives. My goal is that by the time our path’s part, you leave with a deeper appreciation for the field and a stronger sense of curiosity about human behavior.
 
My own path into academia was somewhat unorthodox, and because of that I understand that the journey through college—and beyond—is rarely a straight line. Many students come to UNT with questions about how to succeed academically, how to prepare for graduate school, or how to navigate uncertainty about the future. I care deeply about supporting students through those moments. My door is always open for conversations about coursework, research opportunities, letters of recommendation, graduate school preparation, or simply thinking through what comes next after UNT.
 
Outside of the classroom, I am an avid comic book reader, a passionate traveler, and a passionate fan of the 2 time NFL Champions Seattle Seahawks! (and sometimes Buffalo Bills). I enjoy connecting with students over shared interests, ideas, and aspirations, and I welcome conversations both academic and informal.
 
My teaching style is energetic, interactive, and rooted in compassion. I believe the best learning happens when we move psychology off the page and into the lived experiences of students. Classes with me tend to involve lively discussions, real-world applications, and a focus on helping students see how psychological science connects to their own lives and communities.
More than anything, I want students to feel supported in their academic growth. I strive to create classroom environments where curiosity is encouraged, questions are welcomed, and students feel comfortable exploring complex topics. Teaching is not simply about delivering information, it is about mentorship, encouragement, and helping students discover their own intellectual passions.
 
Mentoring and Student Support Mentorship is a central part of my work as a faculty member. I regularly mentor undergraduate students pursuing research opportunities, graduate school preparation, and professional development. I work extensively with the Honors College, mentoring students through Honors Contracts and supervising Honors Theses across multiple areas of psychology.
In addition to undergraduate mentorship, I frequently serve as a mentor and committee member for graduate-level theses and dissertations. Supporting students as they develop their own research identities and academic goals is one of the most meaningful aspects of my career.
 
I also lead an annual Study Abroad program in Cross-Cultural Psychology in the United Kingdom, where students explore psychological concepts in an international context. I am currently working to develop a second study abroad opportunity focused on psychology and culture in Ghana, expanding global learning opportunities for our students.
Research Interests
 
My research interests broadly focus on how social, emotional, and contextual factors influence student development, well-being, and educational outcomes. Much of my work examines the intersection of psychology and education, particularly the ways in which beliefs, identity, and environment shape learning experiences.
Current areas of interest include:
  • Meditation and mindfulness practices in educational contexts
  • Biracial identity development and multicultural identity formation
  • Teachers’ beliefs about student emotions, particularly sadness and hope
  • Childhood and adolescent obesity and its relationship to depression
  • Peer rejection and its psychological consequences during development
  • The impact of food insecurity on students’ academic engagement and performance, spanning elementary school through college settings
  • The effectiveness of educational technology and applications for learning
I am also increasingly interested in returning to a previous line of research examining alcohol use disorders, particularly as they intersect with mental health and developmental trajectories.
 
Recently, I created what has truly become a labor of love: the S.I.M.S. Lab (Social Identity & Meditative Studies Lab). The lab is designed as a space where students can learn about psychological research, develop critical thinking skills, and receive mentorship as they prepare for graduate school and professional careers in psychology.
More than a traditional research lab, the S.I.M.S. Lab is intended to be a community—a place for learning, mentorship, collaboration, and guidance. My hope is that students who participate in the lab leave not only with research experience, but also with the confidence, preparation, and support needed to take the next step in their academic journeys.