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Meet The Research Team

Dr. Tamara Nelson – Director, Resilience, Equity, and Community Mental Health Research Program 

Tamara Nelson, PhD, MPH is the director of the Resilience, Equity, and Community Health Research Program and an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at Rutgers University in Camden, New Jersey. Her research explores how contextual and cultural factors are associated with mental health and treatment-seeking among racial and ethnic groups in general and African American and Black women in particular. She also focuses on examining and understanding resilience, equity, and community mental health to address mental health disparities in three areas: (1) context, culture, and mental health; (2) help-seeking processes, and (3) perinatal mental health and relational support. Dr. Nelson’s scholarship is interdisciplinary and includes quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to address mental health disparities. 

 

Penny Telesford, MA – Graduate Research Assistant

Penny Telesford is a fifth-year Ph.D. student in Prevention Science. She received her bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in English literature at Mercy College, and received her master’s in Mental Health Counseling at Mercy College. As a student, Penny worked for Residential Life as a Resident Assistant and Resident Director. In addition, she co-created and co-ran the Wellness Program at her college. Penny has also interned as a Group/Individual/Youth Therapist at a Substance Abuse Clinic in New Rochelle, NY. Upon graduating, Penny worked as an individual therapist for a non-profit in New York City. Penny’s research interest focuses on addressing racial inequity and reducing the gap found within the community. Additionally, she wants to explore topics that would reduce mental health stigma in the Black/African/Caribbean community. Her areas of expertise include mental health and counseling. Outside of school, Penny spends most of her time attending concerts, traveling to new places, listening to music, collecting vinyl records and pop funkos, playing video games, spending time with loved ones, watching anime and dramas, and attending conventions.

 

Jasmaine Allen, MSc GMBPsS – Graduate Research Assistant

Jasmaine is a fourth-year PhD student in Prevention Science. She received her BA degree in Psychology from Queens University of Charlotte and her MSc degree in Psychology from Roehampton University in London, England, holding Graduate Membership with the British Psychological Society (GMBPsS). Prior to starting her journey in Prevention Science, Jasmaine spent 6 years working as the Director for Recreation and Wellness at the University of The Bahamas where she became more interested in student wellbeing and retention in higher education. As a focus of wellbeing, Jasmaine‘s research interests center around mental health help-seeking, particularly in black men, and she is interested in investigating ways to improve help-seeking behavior.  When she’s not focusing on studies, Jasmaine enjoys exploring museums, new coffee and book shops around Philadelphia, and spending time with her kids.

 

 

Amy Senanayake, BA – Graduate Research Assistant

Amy Senanayake is pursuing a master’s degree in Psychological Sciences at Rutgers University. She received her BA in Psychology with a minor in Sociology, a Certificate in Social Justice and Social Change, and a Concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience from Rowan University. She currently serves as a Practice Support Specialist at the Center for Anxiety, OCD, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Amy’s research interests center around obsessive-compulsive and anxiety-related disorders, with a particular emphasis on the impact of race and culture on mental health within the Asian community, as well as disparities among other racial and ethnic groups. She is also interested in the impact of stigma on help-seeking behaviors. Amy plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology and is passionate about contributing to the development of culturally sensitive treatment approaches. In her free time, Amy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, along with her bird.

 

Kuteara Jamison, BA – Graduate Research Assistant

Kuteara Jamison is pursuing a master’s degree in Psychological Sciences at Rutgers University. She received her BA in Psychology with a certificate in African American Studies from Princeton University. Kuteara’s research interests center around mental health disparities, particularly how narratives of strength and resilience influence help-seeking among Black women. She is also interested in examining the impact of gendered racism, both online and offline. Kuteara plans to pursue a PhD in Clinical or Counseling Psychology to further investigate ways to improve help-seeking behavior and advance equity in mental health outcomes. Outside of academic work, she enjoys building LEGO sets, dancing, and spending time with family.

 

 

Taylor White, Undergraduate Research Assistant

Taylor White is a third-year undergraduate student at Rutgers University Camden pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. As a biracial woman, Taylor is particularly interested in research examining the mental health and well-being of Black women, with a focus on how racial adversity, stereotypes, and other forms of discrimination may influence psychological outcomes. She is also interested in adolescent development and the effects of psychological trauma and chronic stress on adolescents’ mental health and well-being. Taylor currently works as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), supporting children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and is gaining experience working with children with diverse developmental and behavioral needs. Following her undergraduate studies, Taylor plans to pursue a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology, with a focus on Forensic Psychology. Outside of academics and research, she is a member of the Rutgers–Camden Varsity Volleyball team and enjoys reading and playing video games.

 

Armani Samuels, Undergraduate Research Assistant 

Armani is in his final year of undergraduate studies at Rutgers University Camden, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology. As an African American man, Armani is particularly interested in research examining the mental health and well-being of Black men and women in educational settings. His research interests include exploring how educational disparities, microaggressions, discrimination, stereotypes, and a lack of representation may influence psychological outcomes. He is also interested in understanding the importance of historical context, culture, and oppressive systems when addressing the psychological and emotional well-being of African Americans.  Armani plans to pursue a PhD in Sociology to further explore inequality, systemic oppression, and education, with the goal of identifying ways to improve these systems and help liberate others through education. He is currently a Bonner Civic Scholar at Rutgers–Camden, where he volunteers and works on projects focused on educational inequality. He also works as a substitute teacher in the Camden and Trenton school districts. Outside of his academic and professional work, Armani serves as President of the Raptors Run Club at Rutgers–Camden. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding, exercising, and spending time with his family.

 

Nancy Nguyen, Undergraduate Research Assistant 

Nancy Nguyen is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Rutgers University-Camden. She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Childhood Studies. Subsequently, Nancy wants to acquire her master’s degree in Psychological Sciences at Rutgers-Camden and a PhD in Social Psychology. Her current research interests revolve around the impacts of implicit biases and discrimination in political attitudes and action. Nancy is similarly intrigued by the effects of being a racial, ethnic, or sexual minority in interpersonal interactions and help-seeking behavior. For leisure, she enjoys reading, thrifting, and visiting various museums.

 

 

 

 

Shad “Shadow” Lightson, Undergraduate Research Assistant Lab Affiliate 

Shad Lightson, is a second year undergraduate student and lab affiliate from Temple University. Shad is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Psychology on the pre-med track with a Chemistry minor. Originally from Nigeria and raised in Cherry Hill, NJ, Shad is fluent in 3 languages with goals of becoming a polyglot. Shadow currently worsk as a HIPAA-certified Patient Access Representative, which underscores his research interests in the association between healthcare access, equity, and community well-being. Outside of research, Shadow is an athlete, performer and creative. Shadow is excited to contribute to the REACH Lab this semester and connect with the Rutgers University Camden community.

 

 

 

Lab Alumni 

  1. Samrawit B. Gebretensay, MA
  2. Chareina C. Johnson, MA
  3. Andrea M. Sellers, MA
  4. Nallely Pineda Turcios
  5. Mariam Ali
  6. Thaha Alam
  7. Sumaiya Siddique, BA
  8. Allison Torres, BA
  9. Francis Hill, BA
  10. Nonny Maphoka Mbathane, BA
  11. Olivia Bull, BA
  12. Mariah Cherry, BA
  13. Nataly Lopez, BA
  14. Mackenzie L. Keith, BA
  15. Bruce Harrison, BA
  16. Caitlen Cohen
  17. Nasur Lambert