Tiondra is a first-year doctoral student in the School Psychology program at Indiana University (IU), with minors in Counseling Psychology and Race and Racism in Education. Previously, she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Illinois State University in December of 2022, along with minors in African American Studies, Children’s Studies, and Sociology. Tiondra proudly embodies her identity as a Black and White woman from the Chicagoland area. Along with her passions for education, mental health, and youth, she carries her selfhood with her into her academic and professional endeavors.
Tiondra’s general research interests lie in expanding knowledge and understanding of the experiences of biracial youth as different factors shape and influence academic, social-emotional, and behavioral development and well-being. She is distinctly fascinated by identity formation, perceptions of self, social belonging, familial and societal expectations, and trauma. As a first-year student, Tiondra is working diligently to establish herself as a researcher. Ultimately, Tiondra is determined to make a difference in the lives of students, parents, teachers, and administrators by promoting best practices, supporting and advocating for the needs of diverse learners, creating a safe and positive school climate, and engaging in challenging endeavors to improve student progress, school outcomes, and district-wide policies.
