“The community exists, in part, to safeguard the purpose of each person within it and to awaken the memory of that purpose by recognizing the unique gifts each individual brings to this world.”
Malidoma Somé
My research interests are centered on how to promote the holistic wellness of low-income communities of color exposed to traumatic stress. Through my work, I explore how these communities may create and sustain systems of support following traumatic stress, such as through establishing or maintaining strong racial/ethnic identity, collectivist action, community engagement, strong kinship, spirituality, and mutual aid.
Below are past and present research affiliations; each section includes a summary of the projects, responsibilities, collaborators, and mentors that have shaped my research interests throughout my academic career.
Youth Rising Lab at Texas A&M University
I’m currently serving as a doctoral student and graduate teaching assistant within the Youth Rising Lab at Texas A&M University under Dr. Noni Gaylord-Harden. Our work investigates stress, coping, and psychosocial functioning in African American adolescents. We are using the findings of this research to advocate for strengths-based, trauma-responsive services and interventions for adolescents exposed to violence.
Search Institute
Under the guidance of Drs. Amy Syversten and Diane Hsieh, I served as a doctoral summer research fellow at the Search Institute. I utilized this fellowship to examine the impact of COVID-19-related stress and socio-emotional community mentor support on the coping responses of Black adolescents during 2020. I also published a blog on incorporating critical consciousness development in the community care for Black youth exposed to community violence.
The Trauma and Grief Center at The Hackett Center and Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
Under the guidance of Dr. Julie Kaplow, I worked as a research coordinator and program manager at the Trauma and Grief Center for Families Through this work, I was able to conduct research projects surrounding the intersections of race, socioeconomic status, and trauma exposure.
Surviving COVID-19: Risk and Resilience Factors for Black Adults
The UH Culture, Risk, & Resilience Lab, in partnership with Black Mental Wellness, conducted a study entitled Surviving COVID-19: Risk and Resilience Factors for Black Adults. I served under Ph.D. candidate Jasmin Brooks, M.A as a research assistant and qualitative interviewer and provide ongoing research support for this project.
Black Mental Wellness
Under the direction of co-founder Dr. Danielle Busby, I served as the BMW logistical intern for the 2020-2021 cohort. Through this position, I was able to work on multiple projects aimed at servicing and advocating for the health and wellness of the Black diasporic community.
Sam Houston State University’s Center for Research and Clinical Training in Trauma
During my time as a counseling graduate student at Sam Houston State University, I served as a research assistant in the Center for Research and Clinical Training in Trauma under the guidance of Dr. David Lawson.
University of Houston Developmental Psychopathology Lab
As an undergraduate and postbacc at the University of Houston, I served as a research assistant in the Developmental Psychopathology Lab under the guidance of Dr. Carla Sharp.
UT Health Harris County Psychiatric Center
I worked as a full-time research assistant at the Harris County Psychiatric Center in Houston, Texas. . Through this work, I was able to conduct psychological assessments for various mental health disorders. Through my research, I worked on research presentations focused on pediatric psychiatric illnesses, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation.