Dr. Pamela Martin is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and African American Studies Program at the University of South Carolina. Prior to returning to her alma mater, she served as the Associate Dean in the College of Juvenile Justice and Interim Department Head in the Psychology Department at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU). Before coming to PVAMU, she served for two years as the Chair in the Department of Psychology at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). At NCCU, she instituted the department’s branding message and the use of social media to help the department’s green efforts. She also increased the number of undergraduate and graduate students participating in research. Starting her academic career at North Carolina State University, she was the first African American female tenured in the Department of Psychology in 2009. For her outreach efforts in the Raleigh- Durham areas in 2008, Dr. Martin was inducted into the Academy of Outstanding Faculty Engaged in Extension and Engagement at NC State University. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from University of South Carolina, M.A. in Psychology from North Carolina Central University and a Ph.D. in Ecological/Community Psychology and Urban Studies from Michigan State University. After completing her graduate training, Dr. Martin was a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow at the Programs for Research on Black Americans at the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan. Influenced by ecological theory, Dr. Martin is interested in examining the person-environmental fit between social institutions such as churches and behavioral outcomes. More specifically, her research investigates the role of theology in shaping the daily experiences of African Americans. Dr. Martin seamlessly integrates her extension and engagement efforts with her teaching and research. Not only does she engages in extension outreach activities herself, she also teaches students to do so, and inspires them to continue in that tradition after graduation.
Kanyisile Barrett
Research Assistant
Kanyisile Barrett is an undergraduate student from Charleston, South Carolina, majoring in African American Studies with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of South Carolina. She plans to pursue a Ph.D., focusing her research on the untold stories of Black women and girls across the African diaspora. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and exploring the outdoors.
Kalyn Brown
Research Assistant
Kalyn Brown is a senior Public Health major at the University of South Carolina from Florence, South Carolina. She is working on the NC/SC Black Church Study and is interested in community-centered health, prevention, and social determinants of health affecting Black families. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in nursing and become a nurse practitioner, with a focus on women’s and family health.
Chance Hanner
Research Assistant
Chancellor Hanner is a junior undergraduate student from Darlington, South Carolina, majoring in Computer Information Systems with minors in Business Information Management and African American Studies at the University of South Carolina. He plans to explore the intersection of technology and people through his career, research, and extracurricular activities. He’s involved in various clubs across campus, including the National Society of Black Engineers and the NAACP. In his free time, he enjoys video games, traveling, and history.
Zoe Haskins
Research Assistant
Brielle Horton
Research Assistant
Brielle Horton is a Senior at the University of South Carolina, studying Psychology and minoring in African American Studies. I am currently involved in the Mind Matters research lab. I plan to attend graduate school and obtain my PhD in Social Psychology. I am passionate about social psychology as it applies to the black community and other marginalized groups. My career goal is to become a psychology professor and conduct further research in marginalized communities. .
Vernon Jones III
Research Assistant
Vernon Jones III is a fouth-year Psychology major with double minors in Sociology and Leadership Studies from Richmond, VA. He attends Hampton University and is one of our HBCU scholars. He is passionate about supporting and empowering veterans re-entering the workforce by providing resources and opportunities that help them transition smoothly. What a powerful way to contribute to the occupational and financial wellness of both his community and those who have served.
Aylanah Lundy
Research Assistant
Aylanah Lundy is a senior undergraduate student from Greenville, South Carolina, currently majoring in psychology at North Carolina Central University. I plan to first pursue my master's in school counseling and later a Ph.D. in social work, where I will study children's minds and develop innovative programs to implement in the school system. Some of my current research focus is the relationship between anger and verbal and physical abuse. In my free time, I like to work on my own personal projects
Naomi Tomlin
Research Assistant
Naomi Tomlin is an undergraduate student from Summerville, South Carolina. She is pursuing her B.S in Psychology at the University of South Carolina. She plans to further her education by earning her Master’s in Clinical Psychology. She hopes to eventually earn a Ph.D. Naomi is passionate about improving and eliminating stigmas around mental health in the Black community. Her main pillars in life are Faith, Family, and Friends.
Kai White
Research Assistant
Kai White is a second-year undergraduate student from Raleigh, North Carolina, currently majoring in psychology at North Carolina Central University. She is an HBCU scholar in the lab and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in counseling psychology to become a child psychologist. Her research interests include examining how race-related trauma affects the development of African American children. In her free time, Kai enjoys listening to music and spending time with friends and family.
Prince Parker, MA
Research Assistant
Prince earned a BS in Psychology from Morehouse College and an MA in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago. His research interests focus on the relationship between well-being and the theology of Black churches, as well as how this relationship shapes socialization processes such as parenting styles, political views, and perceptions of masculinity. These interests are grounded in the principles of positive psychology, which provide a foundation for understanding how faith communities foster resilience, growth, and well-being.
Devin Weeks, B.S.
Research Assistant
Devin Weeks, a Columbia, SC native, holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of South Carolina. His research focuses on stressors within the African American community, aiming to improve understanding of coping mechanisms and enhance well-being. In his free time, Devin enjoys painting and attending USC athletic events, particularly football. Notably, he ranks in the top 10 students for accumulating points by attending these sporting events.
