Dr. Virginia Valian works on the psychology of language and gender equity. In gender equity Dr Valian performs research on the reasons behind women's slow advancement in the professions and proposes remedies for individuals and institutions. She has recently investigated the roles of modern sexism and right-wing authoritarianism in the 2016 presidential elections and women's underrepresentation among university colloquium speakers. In July, MIT Press will publish her book with Abigail Stewart titled An Inclusive Academy: Achieving Diversity and Excellence.