As an undergraduate psychology major at the University of Texas, Martinque Jones took advantage of many Educational Psychology related courses, many of which were statistics courses.  After considering an advanced degree in psychometrics, her appreciation for statistics coupled with her developing research interests in cultural identity led her to pursue her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Houston, College of Education (UH COE).

Jones’ research broadly concentrates on Black racial identity development and identity intersectionality among Black women. “Years of counseling with Black women clients illustrated to me that though I share similarities in race and gender with these women, diversity in terms of other intersectional social identities (e.g., spirituality and social class) influences our sense of self and perceptions of the world in dramatic ways,” said Jones. “Unearthing this phenomenon led me to pursue research focused on exploring how Black women understand their intersected racial and gender identities in the context of other salient social identities.”

As a Counseling Psychology scholar, Jones’ research is inextricably informed by her clinical practice. Thus, another relevant line of research she is pursing concentrates on culturally-responsive counseling with Black college women.   “As a Black woman inspired by faculty who supported me through the challenges of higher education, I am committed to pursuing an academic career that not only includes teaching, but also provides an avenue by which to conduct research and develop policy targeted toward supporting racial/ethnic minority students," she said.

There are several professors within UH COE that have made an impact on Jones’ academic career. “At the University of Houston, I am truly appreciative of faculty such as, Drs. Consuelo Abona, Nicole Coleman, Susan Day, and Norma Olvera,” she said.  “Each of these women in academia have served as exemplars, shaping how I one day operate as a future academic.”

There are several things Jones will miss about UH when she graduates. As a graduate student, she spent many hours in the CITE lab preparing presentations, completing homework, and writing her dissertation. But she will mostly miss the candid conversations with her colleagues. “In these conversations we shared our struggles and many successes,” said Jones.  “I am grateful for the opportunity to witness and share in the growth and triumphs of my peers whether it was in the CITE lab, classroom, or beyond.”