Choosing to pivot into a career in psychological science without experience in the field can be challenging. After talking with multiple advisors to figure out my next steps, I was led to Jasmin who immediately took me under her wing. While her passion for the field and assiduous attention to detail are remarkable, her ability to inspire and motivate others to reach their highest potential separates her from a typical mentor. She encouraged me to join her graduate advisor's research lab and taught me how to conduct research at every level of the research process. Not only did she teach me quantitative skills using data science programs such as SPSS, but she also helped me to improve my academic writing skills so I could become the first author of an upcoming publication. Additionally, Jasmin connected me to several research conferences and job opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise heard of that ultimately bolstered my application. Having received multiple acceptances from clinical psychology programs, including being accepted into a top 10 program according to rankings on the 2020 US News and World Report, I can say unequivocally Jasmin is the best mentor I’ve ever had. I would recommend her to others in a heartbeat!

Jasmin guest lectured for my MSW Clinical Practice section at Temple University, and her level of clinical acumen regarding black mental health and evidence based practice left a lasting impression on my students (and me for that matter!). She is engaging and courageous with talking about the “tough” clinical conversations e.g., suicide, racism and racial trauma. I am so appreciative of what she’s directly done for me and my students, and for the impact she will create throughout her professional development.

As part of our year-long program that explored the theme of Inequality, I invited Jasmin to present virtually to the Houston Scholars – a group of high-achieving underclassmen students at UH – about the subject of mental health disparities among Black Americans. Jasmin provided a clear picture of mental health consequences for Black Americans that was both nuanced and accessible for undergraduate students. Despite the remote nature of the talk, Jasmin was able to get the Houston Scholars to engage with the subject material through productive discussions at the end of her talk. I cannot express my appreciation enough for Jasmin’s presentation to our students. Her work is essential, and I think that she will become a leader who strives to provide a more complete and equitable picture of mental health disparities in this country.