Having a deep investment in community development initiatives, Laronnda Thompson views the purpose of her research as intended to proliferate, support and improve effective advocacy for communities disenfranchised by systemic or sociohistoric ills. She is also a First-Generation Low-Income (FGLI) Scholar.

Specifically, Laronnda's research focuses on the developmental effects of literary content intended for children. Giving special attention to governmental educational mandates and literacy curricula policies as they impact the psychological well-being of the child. Laronnda regards the "Areas Of Expertise" section of this webpage as a section highlighting the areas she is constantly working toward becoming an expert in.

"Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose." ~ Zora Neale Hurston

Text-as-Mentor?
An investigation into the influence of written media and the importance of representation on identity development.

Literary Meaning-Making and (Interpretive-)Theory of Mind
A study concerning the ways in which children take perspectives and make sense out of the written and illustrated material they encounter.