Graduate Students

Jennifer Hudson, B.A.

Jennifer (she/her) earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Kansas. Her research interests center on examining the interplay between ethnic/racial factors (e.g., ethnic/racial identity, racial socialization), racial stressors (e.g., discrimination and microaggressions), and health. Specifically, she is interested in examining dimensions of Black racial identity and how one's identity interacts with the effects of racial stressors. Overall, she aims to conduct culturally responsive research that reduces ethnic and racial health disparities. When she's not researching, she enjoys spending her days crocheting, solving jigsaw puzzles, and thrift store shopping.

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

Jayda Gooch

Year: Senior
Major: Psychology
Research Interests: Racial socialization conducted by parents influence on young adults' choices of friendship and their own racial identity.
Joe Hess

Year: Junior
Major: Psychology
Research Interests: Impostor phenomenon and city design's impact on mental health.
Morgan Jones

Year: Junior
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!