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 assistant 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 third-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 second 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.

 

 

 

Andrea M. Sellers, BA  – Graduate Research Assistant

 

Chareina Johnson, BA – Graduate Research Assistant

Chareina Johnson is pursuing a master’s degree in psychology at Rutgers University Camden. She received her BA in Psychology, with a minor in Disability Studies, from Hofstra University in December 2022. Chareina is a current member of Phi Beta Kappa, America’s most prestigious honor society, Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology, and the Graduate Student Organization. In her free time, Chareina enjoys exercising, volunteering at her church, and going to Broadway musicals. Her research interests include discrimination, prejudice, and stereotype threat. Specifically, she is interested in how social interactions, social systems (criminal justice, education, and health), and intersectionality impact marginalized communities. Reina plans to pursue a doctoral program (PhD) in Social Psychology.

 

 

Samrawit Binyam Gebretensay, BA – Graduate Research Assistant

Samrawit Binyam Gebretensay is pursuing a master’s degree in Psychological Sciences at Rutgers University. She received her BA with a minor in Childhood Studies and Gender Studies from Rutgers University Camden. She is a member and, the former vice president of Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology. Samrawit’s research interests are rooted in understanding mental health equity and addressing mental health disparities within the Black community. Her interest stems from recognizing the need to understand and rectify systemic and cultural barriers that hinder equitable access to mental health resources. Samrawit is also interested in exploring the complexities surrounding help-seeking behaviors and stigmatization of mental illnesses among Black Immigrants. Her interest is driven by the desire to comprehend the unique challenges immigrant communities face in accessing and navigating mental health services through the exploration of cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic factors that influence help-seeking decisions. Samrawit plans to pursue a doctoral program (PhD) in counseling psychology as she is passionate about the intersection of psychology, social justice, and cultural humility.

 

Sumaiya Siddique, Undergraduate Research Assistant 

Sumaiya is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Rutgers University’s Honors College pursuing a dual degree in psychology and health sciences. Sumaiya is extremely passionate about cognitive health and the overall human psyche. Coming from a South Asian community where mental health and wellness is stigmatized, Sumaiya’s research interests are on understanding stress, stigma, trauma, and social support among marginalized groups and people of color. Sumaiya works professional with children as an assistant guide at a Montessori School and a 1:1 behavioral aide at a learning center. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, going to the gym, and listening to music. Sumaiya plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology and hopes to conduct research on contextualizing social support among woman of color.

 

Nasur Lambert, Undergraduate Research Assistant 

Nasur is a second-year undergraduate student who is currently working towards a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology alongside a minor in Biology. Nasur is a current member of Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology whose research interests include the impact of trauma on behavioral and cognitive processes. He passionately spends his free time learning about the regional differences in culture within the Black diaspora through musical and written expression. Ultimately, Nasur plans to pursue a PhD in neuropsychology with the long-term goal of becoming a university educator and scientist.

 

 

 

 

Francis Hill, Undergraduate Research Assistant 

Francis Hill is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Childhood Studies at Rutgers University Camden. Her research interests are in the mental health of children and adolescents, with a focus on supporting people of color (POC) and minoritized groups. Francis is also interested in understanding emotional dependence among minoritized teens who were in foster care. Outside of academics, Francis is passionate about sports. She is the Rutgers University Camden track and field team captain and is fascinated by sports psychology as well. In the near future, Francis is determined to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology.

 

 

 

Thaha Alam, Undergraduate Research Assistant

Thaha Alam is a second-year student majoring in psychology and minoring in health science research. Her research interests are in maternal mental health broadly and addressing the stigmatization of postpartum depression in South Asian communities specifically. Thaha works as a part-time Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Behavior Technician to help families with children who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Thaha plans to pursue a doctorate in social work to embark upon a professional career as a hospital-based mental health provider, university educator, and researcher. Thaha loves cooking, going to the gym, reading, and being productive. In the Spring of 2025, Thaha was inducted into Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

 

 

 

Mariam Ali, Undergraduate Research Assistant 

Mariam is currently a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Human Resource Management. Given her Middle Eastern background, she is particularly interested in researching the mental health outcomes of MENA individuals, as well as the experiences of gender and sexual minorities within the region. Upon completing her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, with the goal of studying diversity and inclusion in the workplace to foster more equitable and supportive environments for all workers. In the Spring of 2025, Mariam was inducted into Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

 

 

 

Caitlin Cohen, Undergraduate Research Assistant 

Caitlin is a third-year undergraduate student completing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology who is transitioning from a career in nursing to focus on gender and sexuality from the behavioral health perspective. Her research interests include perinatal mental health, sexual wellbeing, and public health policy. She is particularly passionate about how societal attitudes and public policy affect mental health and a person’s sense of self and safety. She has spent several years volunteering in clinical and community settings, providing education on safe sex practices and healthy relationships. She hopes to further her education by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work to continue supporting and uplifting others on both the individual and community level.

 

 

Lab Alumni 

1. Allison Torres, BA
2. Nonny Maphoka Mbathane, BA
3. Olivia Bull, BA
4. Mariah Cherry, BA
5. Nataly Lopez, BA
6. Mackenzie L. Keith, BA
7. Bruce Harrison, BA