Graduate Research Assistants
Abigail Esinam Adade is a 3rd-year graduate student in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program (Behavioral Medicine) with a heart dedicated to understanding the intricate relationship between culture and psychopathology. Abigail works with Prof. Dzokoto to explore the fascinating realm of mental health, culture, and emotion. Hailing from the University of Ghana, she holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology and a bachelor’s in psychology and philosophy. Her academic journey has nurtured her passion for psychology, instilling a profound desire to give back to society through practical means and scholarly pursuits. She aims to positively impact people’s well-being through psychological practice and research. Beyond her scholarly pursuits, she finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. From whipping up delectable dishes in the kitchen to immersing herself in captivating books, she embraces the art of cooking and reading with great enthusiasm. Engaging in community events allows her to connect with others and contribute to the welfare of her surroundings.
De-Graft N. Agyei is a 2nd-year clinical psychology doctoral student at Virginia Commonwealth University, a graduate teaching assistant and a research assistant at the Cultural Psychology in Africa Research Lab within the University’s Department of Psychology. His research interests focus on emotions, well-being and mental health of the African population and individuals living with chronic conditions. He holds an MPhil degree from the University of Ghana’s Department of Psychology and was a junior research fellow at the West Africa Genetic Medicine Center (WAGMC) in Ghana before beginning his PhD program. In his leisure time, De-Graft enjoys swimming, cycling, practicing martial arts, playing musical instruments, and running.
Niani Erskines is a recent graduate with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology: Applied Research from Capella University, where she honed her expertise in both clinical practice and research. She also earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Georgia State University. With a decade of well-rounded clinical experience, Niani has worked in diverse settings, including inpatient psychiatric care, outpatient counseling, and clinical assessments. Her passion for psychology drives her commitment to bridging gaps in the existing literature, particularly in the area of African American mental health. Niani is dedicated to exploring and developing culturally tailored treatment approaches, assessments, and clinical implications to better serve this community. Looking ahead, she plans to continue her academic journey by pursuing a doctorate in psychology, furthering her ability to contribute to the field through both research and practice.
Louis Ndinyun Tawam is a first-year Ph.D. student specializing in Behavioral Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University. He earned both his undergraduate and master’s degrees (Clinical Psychology) from the University of Ghana and is a licensed clinical psychologist recognized by the Ghana Psychological Council. Prior to his doctoral studies, he worked as a clinical psychologist at Trust Hospital Company Limited and Eden Child Learning Center, both prominent institutions in Ghana. His research interests include mental health, culture, and emotion, with publications exploring how cultural contexts influence psychological experiences and well-being.