We are proud to announce that Zaid McCurdy, a multicultural undergraduate at Eastern Washington University and an accomplished McNair Scholar, has been accepted into the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Hawai’i Pacific University!
Zaid is currently majoring in Applied Developmental Psychology with a minor in Sociology. His academic journey centers on human development, social influences on behavior, and educational psychology. As a McNair Scholar, Zaid’s research explores the psychological impact of digital media advancements on cognitive and socio-emotional development, focusing particularly on adolescents and emerging adults in underserved communities. His work aims to bridge psychological research and real-world applications, supporting equitable educational and developmental outcomes for diverse populations.
Zaid’s 2025 McNair research, under the mentorship of Dr. Jillene Seiver, is titled “Parenting Styles and Smartphone Usage: Predicting Cognitive Performance.” This study investigates the relationship between parenting styles and childhood screen time exposure, emphasizing the long-term academic implications for college students. Grounded in Baumrind’s parental authority typology, Zaid’s research examines how authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful parenting approaches shape childhood media consumption and later academic outcomes. His ultimate goal is to contribute to interdisciplinary research and evidence-based policy that promote psychological well-being, equitable developmental opportunities, and holistic growth for individuals from all backgrounds.
Congratulations to Zaid McCurdy on this outstanding achievement and for advancing his mission to support positive change through research and service! Amazing job Zaid!
For more information visit: https://inside.ewu.edu/mcnair/zaid-mccurdy/
