University of Montana psychology graduate student Nick Livingston recently earned a prestigious $1,000 Diversity Research Grant from the American Psychological Association.

Livingston, a doctoral student in clinical psychology, earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Utah and his master’s degree in clinical psychology from UM.

He earned the APA grant for his proposed research, which seeks to examine the effects of daily micro-aggressions, negative affect and stigma-based substance use among lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals in Missoula. Grant funding will compensate individuals who elect to participate in the study.

“I am honored to receive this grant and look forward to carrying out this important research,” Livingston said. “I am indebted to my research mentor, Bryan Cochran, for his unconditional support and guidance, as well as the University of Montana for providing the resources and experiences that have benefited me throughout my graduate education.”

This funding mechanism is available to doctoral students in psychology across the United States. Once submitted, a review committee then evaluates grant proposals based on their specific aims, relevant background information, significance, proposed methodology, theoretical and applied implications, budget, feasibility and qualifications of each applicant.

Though the APA awards Basic Psychological Research Grants to between five and 10 individuals per year from across the United States, this is the first year in which the APA has offered a diversity-specific grant, making Livingston its first recipient.