Philleshia Pershay
Biography
Philleshia received a BS in Psychology from Suffolk University in 2024. Philleshia’s research at Suffolk University revolved around race and the psychological experience of being a person of color in greater society. Specifically, in the eMBrace study she analyzed the effectiveness of mindfulness techniques for helping Black women cope with depression caused by race-based stressors under the guidance of Dr. Jen Martinez.
Lab: Effects of Racism on Brain and Physiological Pathways to Health Disparities - NIH Grant (Allen/Shin/Sommers)
Advisors: Aerielle Allen, Lisa Shin, & Sam Sommers
Area of study: Social Psychology
Current Research: Observing the psychological and physiological effects of racism on those experiencing discrimination. Particularly, measuring for neurological factors of those who face racism and racial stress for its implications of adverse health outcomes to give more perspective on racism as not just a social concern, but a health concern as well.
Future Plans: To continue filling the void of knowledge on marginalized identities that make up such a large portion of our population through future graduate research.