Meet the Lab Director
Dr. Donte Bernard
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Assistant Professor, University of Missouri - Columbia
About Dr. Bernard
Dr. Donte Bernard (he/him) is a licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of Missouri. He earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a child and family emphasis from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed an APA-accredited internship at the University of Miami Mailman Center for Child Development.
Dr. Bernard's research examines the impact of racism-related stress and trauma on the mental health and well-being of Black youth and families. His work seeks to understand both the factors that increase vulnerability to racism-related stress and the culturally relevant processes that promote resilience and positive adaptation.
Research Program
Investigating the Impact of Racism on Mental Health and Development
Anchored within cultural ecological models recognizing the importance of both individual and contextual risk and resilience factors, Dr. Bernard's program of research seeks to clarify how and why racism-related stress and trauma compromises the mental and behavioral health of Black youth across sensitive developmental periods.
Equally important is the examination of culturally relevant protective factors that promote resilience against the traumatic implications of racism as Black youth transition through adolescence and emerging adulthood.
Ultimately, his research seeks to reduce racial disparities in mental health by informing prevention efforts, interventions, and policy development.
Community Engagement & Collaboration
Connecting Research and Community
Dr. Bernard takes a transdisciplinary and community-engaged approach to research, collaborating with academic and community partners committed to improving the lives and psychological well-being of Black youth and historically marginalized communities.