Kendall Smith, a dedicated PhD student in clinical psychology at the University of South Florida (USF), has been awarded the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship. This prestigious fellowship will provide her with a $37,000 stipend, allowing her to focus on her impactful research aimed at addressing inequities in the criminal legal system.
Key Takeaways
- Fellowship Award: Kendall Smith receives a $37,000 NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.
- Research Focus: Her research will explore issues of inequity in the criminal legal system and externalizing behaviors.
- Mentorship: She will work under the guidance of Dr. Edelyn Verona, a prominent figure in psychology.
- Community Impact: Smith aims to influence policy and practice to benefit marginalized communities.
Overview of the Fellowship
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship is a highly competitive program designed to support outstanding graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. For Smith, this fellowship represents not only financial support but also an opportunity to engage with a broader scientific community.
Smith expressed her gratitude, stating, "Time in a program that is as busy and rigorous as USF’s is so crucial, so having more financial support is huge." She emphasized the importance of collaboration in research, believing that diverse perspectives can lead to stronger impacts on the communities they aim to serve.
Research Goals
Smith’s research will focus on understanding how contextual factors influence perceptions of externalizing behaviors, which include impulsive and disruptive actions. Her thesis aims to investigate:
- Contextual Influences: How community and systemic representations of inequity affect behavioral indicators.
- Sociodemographic Variables: The role of sociodemographic factors in shaping perceptions of externalizing behaviors.
- Bias in Measurement: Whether current behavioral indicators accurately reflect the externalizing construct across different levels of disadvantage.
Mentorship and Collaboration
Under the mentorship of Dr. Edelyn Verona, who is also the co-director of the Center for Justice, Research and Policy, Smith will have access to invaluable resources and networks. Dr. Verona’s expertise will be crucial in guiding Smith’s research and connecting her with other professionals in the field.
Additionally, Smith has already established a connection with Dr. Keanan Joyner from UC Berkeley, who will provide support for statistical modeling and serve as an additional mentor. This collaborative approach is designed to enhance the quality and impact of her research.
Commitment to Community and Policy Change
Smith views her fellowship as a responsibility to contribute positively to the scientific community and to mentor others. She is passionate about conducting research that not only advances academic knowledge but also influences practice and policy, particularly for those affected by inequitable systems and crime.
"Pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology will allow me to further my understanding in these areas and reach these goals," she stated, highlighting her commitment to making a difference in the lives of individuals impacted by antisocial behavior and systemic inequities.
As she embarks on this fellowship journey, Smith is poised to make significant contributions to the field of psychology and to advocate for meaningful change in the communities she studies.
Sources
- Clinical psychology doctoral student Kendall Smith earns NSF fellowship, University of South Florida.
