About Our Lab
Our Approach
Our research focuses on how Black and ethnic minority students develop social and emotional adjustment in the face of adversity by identifying key promotive factors—such as individual assets like self-efficacy and external resources like parental support—that foster resilience and protect against the progression from risk exposure developmental, physical, and psychological health outcomes. This approach has expanded our understanding of the mechanisms through which social support systems and identity aid in coping with race and economic stressors.
Building on this foundation, our research aims to deepen the understanding of social and emotional adjustment in racial-ethnic minority students and communities. We focus on identifying key factors that influence psychological well-being and exploring the challenges faced by students and families in Urban Philadelphia, such as socio-economic inequality, food and housing insecurity, and race-related discrimination, which can significantly impact their mental health and other outcomes. Our work addresses a significant and critical gap in psychological research literature. By informing the development of strategies that enhance healthy coping mechanisms and resilience, our research ultimately seeks to contribute to the well-being of those most vulnerable to these stressors.
Our Community
Temple University’s main campus is located in Northern Philadelphia and is surrounded by a residential neighborhood. Our university prides itself on its diverse student population and reports that enrollment of student’s of color has steadily increased over the past few years. In fact, the Class of 2028 is the most diverse in our institutions history. Our lab routinely samples from this diverse student population, which helps ensure that our findings are representative of the communities we study.
Temple University also has a wide range of student organizations, many of which are involved in community outreach. These organizations are a large part of student life at Temple and play a key role in fostering a sense of community of peers on campus. Our lab has cultivated strong relationships with many Temple student organizations, who have generously supported our recruitment efforts by promoting our research projects to their members. As our lab grows, we hope to continue strengthening our ties and building new partnerships with the Temple and greater Philadelphia communities.