CV

Professional Summary

OVERVIEW

Doctoral candidate in the Human Development and Family Studies program at The Pennsylvania State University aiming to leverage her extensive interpersonal skills, advance statistical methodological training, and extensive knowledge of educational, psychological, and sociological theories and theoretical perspectives to improve the lives and outcomes of Black youth, families, and communities. 

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TRAINING

Keiana is currently a fellow through The Pennsylvania State University's IES funded Training Interdisciplinary Scientist Program (TIES). The training program develops fellows expertise in: 1) social and behavioral context for academic learning, 2) early learning program and policies, and 3) effective teachers and teaching. Program training is supported by three interdisciplinary research centers at Penn State — Child Study Center; Prevention Research Center; Methodology Center. Her training provides unique perspectives and insights to examine how families support child and academic academic functioning. 

During her time as a doctoral student, Keiana took 11 courses in statistical methodology preparing her to conduct advanced statistical analysis. Her statistical training includes multilevel modeling, structural equation modeling, time varying effect models, actor-partner interdependence models, latent profile analysis, and more. She is proficient in SPSS, SAS, R, and Mplus statistical programs.

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For a complete Curriculum Vitae, please download using the link below.

Education

2015 - Present

The Pennsylvania State University

Ph.D. | Human Development & Family Studies

Concentrations: Individual Development, Family Studies, Prevention Research

Advisor: Dr. Susan M. McHale

2015 - 2018

The Pennsylvania State University

M.S. | Human Development & Family Studies

Thesis: Linkages between school and home: Associations between adolescent school-days and maternal perceptions of family relations.

Advisor: Drs. Gregory M. Fosco and Susan M. McHale

2013 - 2015

University of Wisconsin - Madison

M.S.W. | School of Social Work

Mentor: Dr. Katherine Magnuson

2007 - 2011

University of Virginia

B.A. | Sociology & Studies of Women and Gender

Mentor: Dr. Geeta Patel

Awards & Honors

2020

Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Award to Reduce Racism & Promote Antiracism, 

The Pennsylvania State University

2017 - Present

Training Interdisciplinary Education Scientists Program Fellow,

The Pennsylvania State University

2015 - 2016

Hintz Graduate Educational Enhancement Fellowship,

The Pennsylvania State University

2013 - 2015

Advance Opportunity Fellow

University of Wisconsin - Madison

2013 - 2014

L&S Community of Graduate Research Scholars, Fellowship Recipient,

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Interests

• Family Processes in Relation to Racial Socialization

• Family Processes in Relation to Adolescent Academic Functioning in Black Communities

• Family- and School-Based Prevention Programs Targeting Adolescent Academic Functioning in Black Communities

• Family-Based Prevention Programs Targeting Family Socialization Practices