Word to the Wise | Troy Kearse

by Anna De Cheke Qualls

Troy Kearse, Social Psychology PhD student, just spent a week at Harvard's Academic and Research Exchange Program. Through a faculty sponsor, eligible late-stage doctoral students or postdocs spend time interacting with Harvard faculty to engage in collaborative discussion for innovative problem solving or to develop new research techniques. Participants can also leverage Harvard’s network of libraries and museum collections, and build relationships with peers and scholars in their field. 

Kearse came back from Harvard with more connections, insights and he sat down to share those with the Howard graduate community.

The Sway: Why did you come to Howard?

Troy Kearse: I chose Howard University as the place to launch my graduate education because it is a place where my identity and my work can be valued. Howard also houses incredible scholars who are dedicated to the advancement of people of color and have made significant contributions to the field of psychology. With this in mind, I am honored to be working with so many amazing scholars and peers within the Howard community. 

TS: What is your area of expertise/research?  Why did you originally go in that direction?

TK: I bring my full self into the questions that I ask about the world. As a Black, gay, first-generation man, I am curious about the ways that people who hold identities like my own experience unique forms of discrimination, bias and stigma. In particular, my research focuses on the ways social contexts shape the stereotypes, behaviors, and experiences of people who belong to multiple minority groups. To fully understand this phenomenon, my program of research explores the perspectives of both the perceiver and target. Using myriad research methods (e.g. meta-science, experimental, qualitative), my first line of research explores how structural systems and the immediate social context determine whether social targets are categorized by one identity (e.g., Black or gay) or multiple simultaneous identities (e.g., Black and gay) and the consequences of this. My second line of research examines how multiply minoritized groups, particularly Black LGBQ+ individuals, experience unique stigma-related processes (e.g., intersectional stereotypes, intersectional oppression), and how these processes drive health inequities and behaviors. Together, these lines of research are poised to advance the scientific understanding of the intersectional experiences and perceptions of multiply minoritized groups and how they influence real-world outcomes.  

TS: What inspired you to apply for the Harvard fellowship? 

TK: I have to give it to my amazing friend and fellow Howard PhD student, Lauren Taylor, for pushing me to apply for this program. She has encouraged me to apply for anything that is within reach and I wouldn't have applied for it without her. Upon looking at the program, I liked the fact that this would increase my professional development and allow me the opportunity to network and build relationships with heavy hitting scholars in my field and my particular research area, while also being funded to do so. It seemed like an opportunity that I couldn't pass up, so I immediately applied and successfully matched with a faculty member who welcomed me with open arms.

TS: Can you tell us about the program?  What is involved?  How did you engage in it? Any outcomes and benefits to your research?

TK: The program is called the Harvard Academic and Research Exchange Program. It allows for late-state doctoral students, as well as post-docs, to be able to come to visit Harvard University and be hosted by a faculty member within their field to establish new professional connections and networking opportunities. It also gives fellows the opportunity to get acquainted with the campus and to learn more about the Harvard community, outside of their own. Fellows are typically funded to spend about a week at Harvard and have an itinerary that is created by both the fellow and their faculty host that supports their goals.

I was hosted by Dr. Mark Hatzenbuehler who is a giant in the area of structural stigma and minoritized populations. Working with him has been so amazing. I was able to give an invited talk about my research to his lab, sit in on lectures of interest, have 1-on-1 conversations with other faculty members both within and outside of the department of psychology, explore the cultural activities that the greater Boston area has to offer, and participate in lab meetings and activities from various faculty within the department. It has been enriching for me to learn about the amazing work that is currently ongoing at Harvard, and it has caused me to think a lot about new ways to advance my own research and scholarship.

TS: Lessons learned? 

TK: It's very important to get outside of the bubble of Howard University to learn about the work that others are doing as well. I have learned that research is collaborative and interdisciplinary, and I am encouraged to connect with scholars who have the same interests as me to continue to make great contributions to our field. 

TS: Any recommendations for anyone applying in the future?

TK: I think it's great to always take note of scholars who are writing any of your favorite journal articles or books. If they are at Harvard, especially, it would help your application as you can demonstrate familiarity with particular faculty members of interest. Besides that, I'd say that it's good to be their authentic self in all aspects of the application process. I would tell future applicants to not think that anything is above them or their capabilities -- let them tell you "No" instead of counting yourself out — that they're meant to be here.

TS: What are your short-term and long-term career goals? 

TK: I aspire to pursue a career in academia, or any research-based setting, that would support and impact the communities that matter to me. With that in mind, I'm hoping to soon land a post-doctoral or tenure-track faculty position after I graduate, and in the long term, be able to build a program of research and lab community that fosters inclusivity, empowerment, and impact to the general public. 

TS: What is your career exploration strategy during your PhD process?

TK: I leverage my mentorship village, colleagues, and peers to help connect me to opportunities that would support my post-graduation goals. I am also an avid conference presenter and attendee and ensure that I am intentional about the presentations that I attend and the people whose work aligns with mine. I find that a small coffee chat can turn into a job opportunity. Finally, I think it's imperative for all PhD students to be active in their respective academic organizations. Getting on email listservs is beneficial for seeing any job advertisements out there.

TS: Have you done any internships or similar - where?

TK: I am also a research affiliate with the LGBTQ+ Mental Health Initiative at Yale School of Public Health. In this program, I have been able to get professional development, mentoring, academic writing experience, and continuous conference presentations. The work that I do in this lab is closely aligned with my interests in examining unique health outcomes for Black LGBQ+ groups.

TS: Anything else you would like us to know about you?  

TK: Keep any eye out for me and my name in the future. I'm a trailblazer.