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Get Involved 

The Research Academy hub will be updated throughout the year. Please let us know what you would like to see included on our page. For example, would you like to see links to best practices or specific information (i.e., t-tests or choosing an appropriate data analysis) or would like to nominate students, staff, or faculty members for the Research Spotlight? If so, please contact                                                     

Research Academy

To support research collaboration among faculty, staff, and students, the Research Academy sub-committee (of the JFKSOPSS Grants and Research Committee) created a process of collecting data to be included in a searchable database. This searchable database is accessible from the NU Whole Person Center (WPC) website within the Research Academy section. The process is an opportunity to list faculty interest in conducting research with other faculty and staff (either as the primary organizer/researcher looking for collaborators or as a subject matter or methodology expert available to collaborate with others on existing research). Individuals are asked to list their interests, areas of expertise, aspects of a study or manuscript they would be interested in collaborating on, and interest in informally mentoring students. This information is searchable by faculty, staff, and students looking to participate in research or informal mentorship. The Research Academy of the WPC website also includes information highlighting student, staff, and faculty research and accomplishments as well as content to support research and learning (such as “how to” videos, blogs about experiences associated with research, and resources). 

JFKSOPSS
Virtual Research Conference
February 20-21, 2025



Research Spotlight: 
Meet Ayanni Manning

Ayanni Manning (002).jpg

Research Area

The primary objective of this research was to explore the enduring effects of maternal attachment on the romantic relationships of Black women raised by single Black mothers (BWRSBM). It also examined how attachment styles influence their capacity to develop and sustain meaningful romantic connections. Additionally, the study aimed to uncover factors that foster positive growth in Black women and enhance their skills in romantic relationships. Ultimately, the purpose was to determine if the level of attachment between Black women and their single Black mothers impacts Black women’s quality of romantic relationships and relationship satisfaction.

Inspiration

This topic is of interest to me because I am a product of a single Black mother and I have been surrounded by phenomenal, intelligent Black women for all of my life, they are essentially the pillars of my family. However, I have realized that most of them have had single status for various periods of my upbringing. After doing my own research and looking at the literature I discovered that it was unique to my family. In comparison to any other race, Black women experience the lowest rates of marriage and or partnership. The reason why I chose to focus on the romantic relationship of Black women is because when reflecting on my romantic relationships, I faced a variety of challenges that I felt were unique to the Black experience (the need to feel independent, fear of vulnerability, and discomfort with fully relying on my partner) and I wonder if those challenges were also related my experience of being raised by a single mother.

Advice for Other Researchers

As we know, conducting research is a challenge, but it can also feel isolating at times. Therefore, I strongly recommend leaning on your tribes, including academic peers, faculty, and your supportive network outside of academics. You never know who can provide insight or resources for outreach.

Current Position, Career Goal, and/or Research Agenda

Currently, I am in my pre-doc internship year, and I work at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center as a Navy Clinical Psychologist Intern. My career goals include working as a Navy psychologist, providing care to service members, veterans, and their families, and advocating for underserved populations in some capacity.  My long-term goal is to become a neuropsychologist.



Research Spotlight: 
Meet Kayleigh Coloso

Kayleigh Coloso.jpg

 

 

Research Area

A topic of great passion to me is housing disparities. In my community there is such housing crisis and it is truly something that could be fixed if the system was improved. One project I worked on in my graduate studies is how to create an all-inclusive building that houses resources for individuals experiencing homelessness. That looks like taking already existing and vacant buildings, and putting them to use rather than budgeting for a new construction project. The resources are all available but it's about compiling them in a way to make them accessible as possible for individuals without homes. There is also discrimination among individuals who have felony records, and the ability to access housing.

Inspiration

In my journey I have had a brief stint of homelessness. I am in recovery and I know many people who have a drug conviction on their record that prevents many property managers and landlords from wanting to rent, even if they have years of sobriety and have no new charges.

Advice for Other Researchers

Find what ignites that fire in your belly and chase after it. If research doesn't exist yet, pave the way!

Current Position, Career Goal, and/or Research Agenda

My current job position is Bilingual Case Manager for older adults.


My career goal is to become an LCSW and do "street level therapy".


My research agenda is ever-growing but particularly two topics of extreme interest to me are housing disparities and how to re-parent oneself after having distant parents.

Research Resources

 

If you are interested in collaborating on a research project or providing training support for research methods, please complete this                                      .                           

Please share your interest in conducting research with other faculty and staff (either as the primary organizer/researcher looking for collaborators or as a subject matter or methodology expert available to collaborate with others on existing research).    

 

The information submitted using the Research Jotform will be compiled into a database that will be available to faculty, staff, and students. The database will include faculty interests, areas of expertise, aspects of a study or manuscript faculty are interested in collaborating on, and interest in informally mentoring others. This searchable database will be accessible soon.  

Research Collaboration

Teaching Resources

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