What factors contribute to the promotion of a life that Black Americans desire to live? On the other hand, how does racism confer an increased risk to the health and well-being of Black Americans? How is it that Black Americans thrive psychologically despite disproportionate exposure to racial discrimination, poverty, and inadequate community resources? Broadly, my research amplifies the voices of Black Americans to better understand the answers to these, and similar, questions to ultimately create pathways to thriving for Black adolescents and emerging adults.

To date, I have published over 30 peer-reviewed manuscripts that examine the unique sociocultural risk and protective factors shaping the mental health trajectories of Black youth and emerging adults. My work focuses on identifying mechanisms to reduce suicide risk and racial trauma, while fostering meaning in life and future orientation. My long-term goal is to translate these findings into the development and implementation of novel interventions, policies, and programming to eradicate suicide and mental health disparities within Black communities.