Sandra Graham, Ph.D. is a professor in the Department of Education and teaches in the Division of Psychological Studies in Education at the University of California, Los Angeles. Her primary research interests include the study of academic motivation and peer-directed aggression, particularly in African-American children and adolescents.  Dr. Graham currently is the recipient of an Independent Scientist Award from the National Institute of Mental Health, is a former recipient of the Early Contribution Award from Division 15 (Educational Psychology) of the American Psychological Association, and is a former Fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences in Stanford, California. She recently served on the National Research Council Panel on Juvenile Crime: Prevention, Treatment, and Control.  Dr Graham has published widely in developmental, social and educational psychology journals and is an Associate Editor of Developmental Psychology.