Broadly speaking, Robert’s research interests lay in understanding the psychology of intergroup inequality.  The bulk of his research focuses on how members of historically disadvantaged groups cope with their lower-status in society and members of more advantaged groups in society respond to threats to their higher-status in society. He aims to understand psychological factors that facilitate intergroup harmony and promote positive health outcomes amongst members of various social groups.

Robert believes that his role as an educator is to help undergraduates explore their place in the world, embrace their own diversity, as well as that of their peers, and to promote self-efficacy. He tries to achieve these goals by creating an engaging learning environment, using diversity as a teaching tool and by providing students with guidance. These goals are important to how he conceptualizes teaching because he views learning as a process that should include both personal and intellectual growth.