Prospective Graduate Students
Interested in pursuing graduate training with the R₃ Lab?
Learn more about our research, mentorship, and training opportunities.
Dr. Bernard will not be reviewing graduate student applications for the 2026-2027 school year.
Why Pursue Graduate Training in the R₃ Lab?
Under the mentorship of Dr. Donte Bernard, graduate students in the R₃ Lab receive training in clinical psychological science focused on understanding racism-related stress, mental health, and resilience among Black youth and families.
Through close collaboration, individualized mentorship, and active engagement in research, students have opportunities to develop as independent scholars while preparing for careers in clinical psychology and related fields.
Research Fit
Prospective students should consider how their research interests align with those of Dr. Donte Bernard and the broader mission of the R₃ Lab.
Our work seeks to understand how racism-related experiences shape mental health and developmental outcomes among Black youth and families, while identifying culturally relevant factors that promote resilience and well-being.
We are particularly interested in research that advances understanding of racism-related stress and trauma, mental health disparities, risk and resilience processes, and pathways for prevention and intervention
Areas of Interest
Racism-Related Stress & Trauma
Racism-Related Coping
Mental Health Equity
Racism-Related Vigilance
Black Youth & Families
Racialized Impostor Phenomenon
Racial Socialization
Community Engagement
Racial Identity
Mentorship & Training
Dr. Donte Bernard's Mentorship Philosophy
The R₃ Lab is committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where graduate students can develop as researchers, clinicians, and professionals. Dr. Bernard's mentorship philosophy is grounded in:
Intellectual Curiosity
Students are encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and pursue innovative ideas that advance both their own scholarship and the broader mission of the lab.
Collaboration
Dr. Bernard fosters a collaborative training environment where students are encouraged to learn from and support one another while contributing their unique perspectives and expertise.
Independence
As students progress through their training, Dr. Bernard supports the development of independent research agendas and professional identities that align with their long-term goals.
Professional Development
Dr. Bernard is committed to helping students identify and achieve their academic, clinical, and professional goals through individualized mentorship and guidance.
Well-Being
Dr. Bernard values sustainable success and strives to create an environment that recognizes the importance of balance, wellness, and personal growth throughout graduate training.
Current Graduate Student Research
The graduate students of the R₃ Lab contribute to a variety of research projects while developing independent programs of research.
Current Graduate Student Research Interests
Internalized Racism
Parental Racial Coping
Impostor Phenomenon
Black LGBTQ+ Mental Health
Parent-Child Relationships
Belonging
Interested in Applying?
Prospective students interested in pursuing graduate training in the R₃ Lab are encouraged to review the lab's research areas and consider how their interests align with the ongoing work of Dr. Donte Bernard and current lab members.
Information regarding admissions requirements, the application process, and graduate training can be found through the University of Missouri Psychological Sciences Department website.