• Dr. Jones' program of research principally seeks to challenge, clarify and correct the narrative concerning risk and resilience for Black youth and their families. He strives to better understand the interplay between race-related risk (e.g., racial discrimination, racism-related stress) and protective factors (e.g., racial identity, racial socialization, Africentricity) that influence Black youth psychological wellbeing. To that end, his investigations seek to move beyond understanding that racial/ethnic factors are protective, to unearthing the mechanisms and processes that explain how this protection is achieved. He employs both quantitative and qualitative methodologies—including utilizing mixed methods—and his strengths-based approach is grounded in cultural ecological models, acknowledging the role of individual and broader contextual (e.g., microsystem, macrosystem) factors. Lastly, as a scientist-practitioner, his research endeavors to answer these questions in the service of identifying avenues for prevention and intervention efforts.

  • Jaden earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from William and Mary in 2023 and went on to serve as a post-baccalaureate research assistant in AYA for over a year. In 2024, she transitioned into the Operations Coordinator position and continues to organize and assist with projects centered around Black youth and family wellness. Through her research, clinical, and community pursuits, Jaden strives to instill an unwavering resilience in Black youth who have been negatively impacted by childhood adversity and aspires to cultivate accessible and compassionate spaces for underserved families, with the ultimate goal of obtaining her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology.

  • Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Christopher Newport University, a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from West Virginia University, and is currently completing a Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University with an anticipated graduation of May 2024. Upon graduation, Ashley plans to pursue counseling licensure and hopes to work alongside public school systems to provide person-centered, trauma-informed care to teenagers and young adults.

Graduate Team

Post-Baccalaureate Team

Undergraduate Team

Alumni Members

  • Chimdindu Ohayagha, Ph.D., M.S., CRC

    Graduate Team

  • Lesley Winchester, Ph.D.

    Graduate Team

  • Keyona Allen, Ph.D.

    Graduate Team

  • Sultan Hubbard, Ph.D.

    Graduate Team

  • Ariana Samuel, MS

    Graduate RA

  • Taylor Davis, MS

    Graduate RA

  • Nemya McGill-Veloso

    Undergraduate RA

  • Sosna Marshet

    Undergraduate RA

  • Serai'ya Crawley

    Undergraduate RA

  • Mia Milligan

    Undergraduate RA

  • Jamie Hill

    Undergraduate RA

  • Myonni Alexander

    Undergraduate RA

  • Jayla Gills

    Undergraduate RA

  • Kalei Leao

    Undergraduate RA

  • Isaiah Lewis

    Undergraduate RA

  • Chandler Smith

    Undergraduate RA

  • Taila Wille

    Undergraduate RA

  • Walter Anyanwu

    Undergraduate RA

  • Raven Crump

    Undergraduate RA

  • Emily Garloff

    Undergraduate RA