Research
My research takes a multi-method approach and includes quantitative analyses of nationally representative data, qualitative analyses, and experimental methods to understand racial differences in perceptions and the experiences of Black Americans. A primary goal of my research is to understand how to eradicate individual and systemic forms of oppression and anti-Black racism. Much of my current research focuses on the experiences of Black Americans in the healthcare system.
I am honored that my research has been awarded and supported by the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship, the National Institute of Mental Health, the Eugene V. Cota-Robles Fellowship, and the Jenessa Shapiro Award (among others).
Research Line 1
Medical Trust and COVID-19 Vaccinations
The COVID-19 pandemic placed a spotlight on the negative health outcomes and healthcare experiences of Black Americans. How do Black American experiences relate to their trust in the medical community? Does this impact their willingness to get vaccinated for COVID-19? I address these questions in this line of research.
Research Line 2
Experiences of Black Women with Breast Cancer
What is the nature of negative and positive physician-patient interactions that may contribute to medical trust and health perceptions? This line of research explores this question (and more) and centers the experiences of Black women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Research Line 3
Perspective-taking
What can lead to better recognizing inequity in healthcare and increase support to improve inequitable healthcare systems? In this line of research, I investigate the importance of historical knowledge and perspective-taking in increasing recognition of racism and support for policies to address racial inequity in the healthcare system.