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!

Staff

Makayla Pollock, B.S.

Makayla Pollock (she/her) is Dr. Bernard’s current lab coordinator. She recently graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a B.S. in Psychology and certificates in Addiction Science, Multicultural Studies, and Neuroscience. During her time at Mizzou, she participated in the McNair Scholars program, completed two independent research projects under the supervision of a mentor, and presented at institutional, regional, and international conferences. Her past research examined the differences in neural processing of infant and adult faces due to race. She hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

Undergraduate Research Assistants

Hajar Furqan-White

Year: Senior
Major: Psychology
Research Interests: Perceptions of prison culture/climate, mental health outcomes, and what role systemic racism and intersectionality play in shaping these experiences.
Joe Hess

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

Year: Senior
Major: Psychology
Research Interests: Caregiver experiences and how they are associated with the development and mental health of the children they nurture.
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.