Counseling Psychology Ph.D. student, Amanda Long, has been awarded the Outstanding Graduate Student Award. The award is from the American Psychology Association (APA) Division 35-Society for the Psychology of Women Section on Black Women.  Long is a student affiliate of APA. She is also involved in the following APA divisions: Society of Counseling Psychology, Psychology of Women, International Psychology and Culture, Ethnicity, and Race.  She also serves as a campus representative for the division of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race.  “It was an honor to be named the recipient of the Graduate Student award from APA Division 35-Society for the Psychology of Women, Section on Black Women,” said Long.

The research study that Long submitted for consideration of the award is entitled Be Proud of Who You Are: Negotiating Colorism and Identity Among Black Women.  She had been working on this study since she was an undergraduate student, and it was instrumental in her development of an overall appreciation and love for being involved in multicultural research initiatives. “What began as a research project to fulfill my requirements as a McNair scholar, has turned into a body of work that has undergone several revisions to make it what it is today,” she said. “It is refreshing to know that a phenomenon I am genuinely interested in, is a topic that others can appreciate.”

Long’s research interests are focused on the empowerment of African Americans through research and community based initiatives. “I am particularly interested in the role of social media on the body dissatisfaction of African American women and adolescents, the mental health effects of colorism, and the factors that influence the current dynamic of the African American family,” she said.

When Long began working on her research project, she was operating on pure passion and had no idea that others could or would want to read her work; nor did she ever think she would be winning an award for it. “For me, this truly helps reiterate the importance of staying true to yourself and your interests and using your voice and talents as a platform to tell not only your story but the story of many other women in the world,” she said. 

Long tells us, the entirety of the UH College of Education Counseling Psychology department is made up of a host of accomplished scholars, whom produce fascinating research. “Personally, I appreciate the support from my faculty advisor, Dr. Nicole Coleman, as she has been an inspiration and source of encouragement to me as I navigate through the program,” she said.  “I appreciate being able to watch her navigate the world of academia without compromising her values and beliefs while still being able to conduct research on matters that are important to her and needed to be represented in academia.”

Long’s career goals include, opening up a mental health clinic that provides quality mental health services to underrepresented populations; by addressing on all aspects of wellness (i.e. mind, body, spirit). “I would also like to continue to conduct research aimed at addressing multicultural issues,” she said.