In regard to our commitment to training students to recognize and value the unique perspectives and experiences of individuals from varied backgrounds, we offer a number of clinical, research, and educational opportunities that foster understanding and collaboration. For example:

• We collaborate with a number of clinical practicum sites that give students the opportunity to work with clients from different backgrounds and cultures and with interpreters, including at the RFUMS Interprofessional Community Clinic, which serves uninsured community members.
• We offer an elective in LGBTQI healthcare (through Family and Preventive Medicine) and additional coursework focused on developing multicultural competencies as a mental health provider.
• Several faculty in the Psychology Department are Affiliates of the Michael Reese Foundation Center for Health Equity Research. They conduct research on health disparities and the health of minoritized populations and/or they are open to mentoring students with research interests in these areas. For example:
  • Dr. Brian Feinstein conducts research on stigma and health disparities, primarily among LGBTQ+ populations.
  • Dr. Nancy Jao’s research has focused on understanding health disparities related to tobacco use, including examining the potential roles of biobehavioral mechanisms and tobacco regulatory policies in contributing to nicotine dependence in minoritized and vulnerable populations (e.g., racial minorities, pregnant women).
  • Dr. Rachael Ellison is a clinical neuropsychologist and researcher, with expertise in applied neuropsychological research exploring the intersection between systemic inequities, social determinants of health, and cognitive functioning.
  • Dr. Kristin Schneider is collaborating with the Center for Health Equity and a community partner (Adelante Center for Entrepreneurship) on a study examining strategies for addressing food insecurity in the Interprofessional Community Clinic.
• Some of our faculty serve as mentors in the INSPIRE program, which provides summer research experiences to local high school and college students. Our students have the opportunity to serve as secondary mentors to summer research students.
• Our Justice and Inclusivity committee facilitates a monthly discussion series where students, faculty, and staff come together to reflect on relevant topics, articles, videos, and more. We discuss how these topics relate to our research, clinical work, and department culture.
• We encourage students to become members of the department’s Justice and Inclusivity committee, which gives them an opportunity to collaborate with faculty and staff on ways to create a more inclusive environment within the department, university, and field at large. Some of our students participate in local and national initiatives to encourage and support applicants from various backgrounds to apply for graduate school in clinical psychology.
• The department has a monthly colloquium series, with speakers from various backgrounds and/or who conduct research focused on medically underserved groups. The university also has a journal club focused on health disparities and health equity in medicine and healthcare, which faculty and students can participate in.
• All course syllabi are reviewed to ensure representations of diverse perspectives.
• Students can participate in the university’s Peer Mentoring Program, which pairs new students with current students to facilitate safe places on campus to discuss educational and social issues over free coffee. The university also has a number of student organizations.