Dr. Shauna M. Cooper

( Principal Investigator)

Dr. Shauna M. Cooper joined the faculty at the University of South Carolina in August 2007 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology. She earned a B.A. in Psychology and Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor . After completing her graduate training, Dr. Cooper completed her post-doctoral fellowship in the Department of Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Link to CV

Dr. Cooper specializes in African American child and adolescent development. Using Ecological and Integrative frameworks, her research interests include understanding specific socio-contextual factors (family-, school-, and community-level) influencing both their educational and health outcomes. She is particularly interested in how race and culture may indirectly and directly influence socialization and parenting practices in African American families. Additionally, her research explores gender-related processes among African American youth, with specific interests in understanding psycho-social and contextual correlates of African American girls' psychological and school adjustment. Currently, her research explores contributors to positive development among African American youth. In addition to these interests, Dr. Cooper is dedicated to translating her research into practice- and programming-oriented solutions. She is particularly interested in the development of culturally-sensitive and developmentally-appropriate programming (e.g., academic enrichment; health promotion) for youth of color.

Charity Brown

(Doctoral Student, School Psychology)

Charity Brown received her B.A. (with honors) in Psychology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Her research interests focus on understanding race-related factors (i.e., racial socialization, racial identity and perceived discrimination) that influence the educational and mental health outcomes of African American children and adolescents. 

Melanie Avery

(Doctoral Student, Clinical-Community Program)

Melanie Avery received her B.A. (Magna Cum Laude) in Psychology from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. Her research interests focus on understanding race-related stress and treatment of mental disorders in African Americans. Additionally, she is interested in factors contributing to educational attainment and achievement among African American populations. Melanie has conducted several research projects as a trainee with Morgan State University’s Career Opportunities in Research (COR) program funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Leadership Alliance at Howard University. Melanie’s future plans are to implement specialized programs based on research findings to help improve African Americans overall quality of life.

Heather Eaddy

(Doctoral Student, Clinical-Community Program)

Heather Eaddy received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of South Carolina. Her research interests include identifying risk and protective factors (e.g. biological, socioeconomic, familial) for developing behavioral disorders. Additionally, her professional goals include creating early intervention programs, which are geared toward improving interpersonal relationships, problem solving skills, anger management, and academic performance among this population.

Isha Metzger

(Doctoral Student, Clinical-Community Program)

Isha Metzger received her B.A. (Cum Laude, Advanced Research Honors) in Psychology from Georgia State University in 2008. She has participated in multiple research projects through her involvement with the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. Isha’s research interests include parenting behaviors, positive youth development, and family relationships within the African American community.

 

Stephania Jackson

(Research Assistant)

Stephania is a  junior Psychology and Women's/Gender Studies major (with a African American Studies minor) at the University of South Carolina. Her research interests include the development of African American male youth. Specifically, she is interested in exploring pathways to positive development among this population. Additionally, Stephania has interests in the role of fathers in promoting positive adjustment among African American male youth. After graduating, Stephania intends to obtain a PhD in Clinical Psychology.