She received her B.S. from Towson University, her nursing degrees from Essex Community College (A.D.N) and the University of Maryland, Baltimore (B.S.N.), and her Ph.D. in Nursing from Duke University. Her research examines the impact of social, structural, and institutional factors that contribute to the health disparities for Black adolescents and young adults, particularly sexual and gender minority youth.
"I support the B Lab vision by bringing a health equity lens to examine how lifetime experiences with violence impacts the sexual health of Black adolescent and young adult and their ability to access timely care."
Susan received her A.A. in English Education from Howard County Community College, and is currently in the process of pursuing a B.A. in Education.
“I support the B-Lab by being the oil for the squeaky wheels - when someone needs support in an area, it's my job to step in to provide it; whether that be through copy & line editing, scheduling, problem-solving, or other general admin duties.”
Director
Terrinieka W. Powell, PhD (@DrTerriPowell on Twitter)
Associate Professor & Vice-Chair of Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism and Equity (IDARE)
Dr. Terri is a trained Community Psychologist committed to improving adolescent health outcomes, with an extensive history of using community-engaged approaches and working with community partners (e.g., churches, libraries, and youth-oriented CBOs) to conduct research. She has expertise in adolescent health, qualitative methods, intervention development, and implementation science. She has collaborated with institutions across the country to promote educational attainment as well as prevent teen pregnancy, HIV, and substance use among adolescents. She has over 40 publications and has been PI or Co-I on several externally funded grants that seek to improve the lives of vulnerable young people.
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Trainees
Scroll over the pictures to learn more about our trainees
Nancy received her B.A in Psychology from the University of Louisville and M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Louisville. Her research interest focuses on the etiology, prevention, and treatment of mental health illness and how it affects physical and reproductive health outcomes of “vulnerable” populations, specifically Black families.
"I support the B-Lab vision by adding a mental health component to help identify and better understand adolescent behaviors in order to promote a healthy state of wellbeing."
Nancy Adane, M.Ed.
Research Assistant
Naya received her B.A. from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Her research interests revolve around adolescent physical and sexual health, urban health, health literacy, and health education.
“I support the B Lab vision by connecting with youth, mentors and partners to create a safe space of learning and collaboration, to support adolescent health as best I can. ”
Naya Moser, BA
MSPH Student & Research Assistant
Quiana Lewis, MPH
(@quianajlewis on Twitter)
PhD Student & Research Assistant
Quiana received her B.S. in Psychology from Fisk University and MPH from Yale University. Her research interests are in public health policy specific to families and housing, and its impacts on adolescent health.
“I support the B Lab vision by bringing a systems-change lens to identifying sustainable ways to improve the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents.”
Bianca received her B.S. in Microbiology from Michigan State University and MPH from University of Georgia. Her areas of research interest include health disparities, adolescent and young adult health, structural determinants of health, and social epidemiology.
“I support the B Lab vision by conducting research that aims to eliminate barriers to positive health and wellbeing for youth of color.”
Bianca Smith, MPH
(@-bianca_smith on Twitter)
PhD Student & Research Assistant
Ashleigh earned her B.A. in Communication and M.A. in Health & Risk Communication from Michigan State University. Recently, she received her Ph.D in Behavioral & Social Health Sciences from Brown University. Her research uses strengths-based and community-based approaches to improve the sexual and mental health of historically and currently marginalized youth in the US and abroad.
“I support the B Lab vision by contributing to research that will inform programs and policies aiming to reduce disparities in health outcomes among young people.”
Bailey earned her BA in Sociology from Spelman College and MPH from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. Her research interests include digital interventions, chronic disease prevention, gender equity, and suicidality among Black and Latinx youth and young adults.
“I support the B Lab vision by improving minority health and advancing innovative interventions that promote positive health outcomes for adolescents.”
Bailey Holmes Spencer, MPH
PhD Student & Research Assistant
FORMER TRAINEES
Joyell Arscott,Ph.D., R.N., ACRN
Cassandra Berko, BS
Emily Davie, MSPH
Lauren Hunt, BA
Andrea Hwang, MSPH
Jordan Jenkins, BA
Olivia Kachingwe, PhD, MPH
Aliza Li
Ashleigh LoVette, PhD, MA
Susan Neumyer
Asari Offiong, PhD, MPH
Tosheania Phoenix
Morgan Prioleau
Kalai Willis, MSPH
PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
Enoch Pratt Libraries
Center for Adolescent Health
Pixie Photography, Breyanna Dabney
Rae Chesny, Literary Consultant
Avery Griffin, Videographer
CreatveXception (Web Design), Veronica Gibson