Welcome to my website! My name is Akira and I am a Ph.D. Candidate in Psychology at Florida International University (FIU) as a McKnight Doctoral Fellow, with specialties in applied social and cultural psychology and child clinical psychology. My research and theoretical foundations are rooted in developmental science and relational developmental systems perspectives.

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I am also a Senior Research Associate & Technical Assistance Provider at Education Development Center (EDC), where I conduct research related to equity practices in home visiting, youth mental health and suicide prevention, and digital wellness. I also have the privilege of supporting the great work of educators and districts (pre K-12) across 5+ states in enhancing their multi-tiered systems of support to improve the experiences and outcomes of their students and families.

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My research focuses on understanding how student sense of belonging develops in schools, dissemination of mental health strategies in youth-serving environments, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and resilience as it relates to children and families living in challenging circumstances. I have conducted and supported research in the areas of belongingness, social-emotional learning, mindfulness, adverse childhood experiences (or, ACEs), trauma-informed practices, and research-practice partnerships.

 

My aim is to continue developing my skills in applied research and community collaborations to advance our knowledge about enhancing protective factors for children and youth to help mitigate the effects of adversity in their lives. My ultimate goal is to expand my role as a community collaborator to be able to improve the ways we advance children & youth’s mental health and overall wellbeing.