The University of Texas Permian Basin
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Tara Gonzales

Visiting Lecturer
Department of Psychology
Email
gonzales_t@utpb.edu

Tara J. Gonzales is a Visiting Lecturer in Psychology and proud UTPB alumna with over 20 years of experience in higher education, curriculum development, and instructional design. She is dedicated to accessible, student-centered learning and designs flexible, inclusive courses that support diverse learning styles. Her teaching emphasizes real-world application, building student confidence, critical thinking, and long-term success beyond the classroom.

Education and Training in Psychology

  • M.A. in Clinical Psychology, University of Texas Permian Basin, 2010
  • B.S. in Psychology (major), Sociology (minor), University of Texas Permian Basin, 2006

Post Graduate Education in Law

  • Harvard Law School
    • Certificate of Completion (COC), Copyright, 2017
    • COC, Jury, 2016
    • COC, Bioethics, 2016
    • COC, Contract Law, 2016
    • COC, Justice, 2016
  • University of Pennsylvania Law
    • Honor Code Certificate of Achievement: Intellectual Property Law II, 2016

Certifications and Licenses

  • Certified Life Coach, 2012 -Present

Research Interests

  • Social identity and cultural expectations
  • Psychology and diverse populations
  • The impact of technology on human behavior
  • Attachment theory and modern media

Clinical Interests

  • Developmental and cognitive psychology
  • Digital behavior and psychological well-being
  • Psychological responses to changing educational models

Presentations (Radio/Television), Publications, & Acknowledgments

  • On-Screen Debate Participant: The Global Philosopher (2017 - Present). British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) International & BBC Radio 4.
  • Recurring Guest Appearance(s): Rethink (2020). British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World International & BBC Radio 4.
  • Panel Speaker (2020). Mental health: The pandemic and current events. Odessa College Live Stream Coffee & Community Conversation Panelist.
  • Gonzales, Tara J. (2016). Humans. Dallas, Texas: Sassaphrass Publications.
  • Assisted in the development of UTPB graduate course PSYC 6306 (2009).
  • Gonzales, Tara J. (2006). Racial profiling in retail. Research Presentation. San Antonio, Texas: Southwestern Social Science Association Conference.
  • Gonzales, Tara J. (2005). Examination of Hispanic social identity. Research Presentation. University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico: XIII National Sociological Symposium.

Courses

  • PSYC 1301, Introduction to Psychology
  • PSYC 3311, Social Psychology
  • PSYC 3321, Intro to Psychopathology
  • Accepting Senior Honors Thesis students