Dr. Leonard’s research and service learning interest focuses on the social/cognitive development of children and adults from communities transitioning from political/sectarian violence. She is interested in combining multicultural peace studies and social/cognitive research to enhance personal, family, and community relations. She is specifically interested in how cross-community engagement influences the psychosocial elements of “peace building” (i.e., in-group identification, intergroup forgiveness and trust, and mental health and well-being). Dr. Leonard has developed and is Faculty Director of the International Service Learning & Research Program (a College of Arts & Sciences Short-Term Study Abroad Program) in which pedagogy and research/service learning are combined to provide an off-campus cultural immersion and culminating undergraduate experience for UofL students. The ISL&RP along with her course titled “Intergroup Contact and Conflict Resolution” are part of the UofL Certificate in Peace, Justice & Conflict Transformation within the College of Arts & Sciences.
