Graduate Students

Jennifer Hudson, B.A.

Jennifer (she/her) earned her B.A. in psychology from the University of Kansas. Her research focuses on how racial and ethnic identity (e.g., US-born African American, African, Caribbean, Afro-Latino) within the Black community shapes experiences with racism, racial socialization, and identity development. She is particularly interested in how these factors influence how Black youth, adults, and their families relate to one another, cultivate a sense of belonging, and maintain psychological well-being. Through her research, Jennifer aims to highlight and celebrate the resilience and cultural wealth of the Black community using community-based approaches and culturally grounded frameworks. When she's not researching, Jennifer enjoys spending her days crocheting, solving word searches, and overall indulging in cozy hobbies.

India Matthews, B.A.

India (she/her) completed her B.A. from Cleveland State University. Her research interests encompass understanding risk and resilience in Black youth and how these factors influence mental health trajectories (i.e., depression and anxiety) and development; understanding how intersecting identities may impact these factors; and developing culturally responsive prevention and intervention strategies for Black youth. Her prior work has looked at understanding race-related stress, academic pressure, and internalizing symptoms in high-achieving Black youth. Some things that she likes to do outside of research are go for walks, boxing, and exercising! She also enjoys going to concerts and music festivals!

Makayla Pollock, B.S.

Makayla (she/her) earned her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Missouri and worked under Dr. Donte Bernard for 2 years as the lab coordinator. Her research interests center on the effects of racial discrimination in the parent-child relationship (i.e., parental racial worry, racial socialization). Outside of research, Makayla enjoys sewing, knitting, and reality TV shows.

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Chase Robinson

Year: Sophomore
Major: Psychology
Research Interests: Exploring!
Coffie Mondaine

Year: Senior
Major: Psychology
Research Interests: Black Adolescents/Young Adults, Black Autistic Adults, Queer Relationships, Sexual Wellness
Jayda Gooch

Year: Senior
Major: Psychology
Research Interests: Impact of racial discrimination on Black youth’s mental health, Racial socialization, Coping strategies for racial discrimination
Joe Hess

Year: Senior
Major: Psychology
Research Interests: Third places, Narrative Identity and Intersectionality
Morgan Jones

Year: Senior
Major: Health Sciences (pre-med track)
Research Interests: Racial disparities in healthcare and the impacts of lived experiences on graduation rates of Black college students.
Leslie Navarro

Year: Sophomore
Major: Health Sciences (pre-med track)
Research Interests: Exploring!