Hopelab Announces Second Cohort of HBCU Translational Science Fellows to Advance Black Youth Mental Health Research

Fellowship aims to translate research into practical solutions supporting the mental health and well-being of Black adolescents

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Hopelab announced the selection of its second cohort of HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Fellows, a Translational Science Fellowship designed to increase practical solutions supporting the mental health and well-being of Black young people ages 10-25. The six-member cohort began its fellowship this month, joining Hopelab's inaugural cohort as it continues into its second year of the program.

The HBCU Translational Science Fellowship amplifies the visibility of Black youth mental health research within the broader mental health field by supporting research faculty and career researchers at HBCUs. Throughout the 2025-26 academic year, Fellows will collaborate with each other, Hopelab experts, industry leaders, and fellow HBCU Fellows to accelerate their research to improve Black youth mental health outcomes.

"This second cohort brings exceptional expertise and unique approaches to addressing systemic challenges facing Black communities," said Samira Pingali, Principal of Translational Science at Hopelab. "We are excited to support this cohort as they expand their networks and approaches to translational research."

Meet the Second Cohort of HBCU Fellows

Dr. Davis Austria, Xavier University of Louisiana – A health equity innovator and educator who develops culturally responsive digital health solutions using Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Austria integrates principles of Black Intellectual Thought into ethical frameworks to create personalized health education that improves health literacy and promotes mental well-being among Black, POC, and LGBTQ+ young people.

Dr. Arletha W. Lizana, Morehouse School of Medicine – Associate Vice President for Health Innovation & Strategy and nationally-recognized leader in health equity innovation. Dr. Lizana has secured over $15 million in funding and developed more than 25 digital curriculum products. Her expertise centers on youth and community mental health, with particular focus on culturally grounded public health interventions and digital curriculum innovation.

O. Nere Ayu, Ph.D., Howard University – Master Instructor in Psychology whose research examines psychosocially toxic environments and their impact on marginalized young people, particularly those in out-of-home care. Dr. Ayu emphasizes amplifying the voices and narratives of this unique population to understand both challenges and success stories better.

Terri Dilmore, Ph.D., Howard University – Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of the Juvenile Justice and Black Family Lab. A licensed clinical and forensic psychologist who focuses on trauma, child welfare, and justice-involved young people of color, with research examining factors contributing to justice system involvement and highlighting inequities in the justice system.

Roni Ellington, Ph.D., Morgan State University – Professor of Mathematics Education and owner of the Transforming STEM Network, LLC. Dr. Ellington's transdisciplinary approach examines the experiences of high-achieving African-American STEM students, with research interests spanning STEM education, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Dr. Leonna M. Davis, Bowie State University – Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Studies with over 15 years of experience serving under-resourced communities. Dr. Davis centers the voices of Black girls in her research on identity development, self-esteem, body image, and social media's impact on mental health, designing culturally responsive media literacy programming.

Program Details

HBCU Translational Science Fellows each work on an independent project focused on supporting the well-being of Black young people (ages 10-25). Fellows bring a particular research expertise focused on Black youth well-being and aim to translate this research into practical approaches and solutions through partnerships in areas including practice, products, and/or policies. The second cohort joins the Inaugural Fellows: Dr. Darren Bernal (Howard University), Dr. Billie Castle (Xavier University of Louisiana), Dr. Breonte Guy (Winston-Salem State University), Dr. Danielle Hairston (Howard University), and Dr. Natalie Watson-Singleton (Spelman University), and Dr. Raquel Martin (Tennessee State University), who continue their fellowship into a second year with support from co-funders including the Bezos Family Foundation and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Applications for the next cohort will open in the Spring of 2026. Sign up for the Hopelab newsletter for more information.

About Hopelab
Hopelab envisions a future where young people have equitable opportunities to live joyful and purposeful lives. As a researcher, investor, and convener, Hopelab is dedicated to fostering greater mental health and well-being outcomes for Brown, Black, and Queer young people. Learn more at hopelab.org.

SOURCE HOPELAB