Debra A. Hope, Ph.D. (She/Her/Hers)
Associate Vice Chancellor & Dean of Graduate Education
Aaron Douglas Professor
Department of Psychology
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Dr. Hope received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from University at Albany-State University of New York in 1990 and joined the department at UNL in the same year. Her current research interests focus on two primary areas: (a) mental health impacts of stigma and discrimination, particularly for gender and sexual minorities, and (b) anxiety disorders with a focus on social anxiety disorder.
Dr. Hope is a licensed clinical psychologist and Director of the Rainbow Clinic, one of the specialty services within the Psychological Consultation Center. The current research focus is on dissemination of culturally sensitive evidence-based treatment. The research on stigma and discrimination is primarily conducted through partnerships in Trans Collaborations.
Dr. Richard Mocarski (He/Him/His)
Vice President of Research and Innovation Partnerships and Professor of Communication at Northern Illinois University
Dr. Richard Mocarski is a Health Communication and Critical, Rhetorical Studies scholar. He is currently the Associate Vice President for Research at San José State University. Dr. Mocarski's research uses critical and cultural rhetorical strategies to expose the ways in which stigma increases barriers to health care for disenfranchised groups that typically have high health disparities.
Dr. Sharon N. Obasi (She/Her/Hers)
Associate Professor and Program Chair of Family Science
University of Nebraska Kearney
Having received her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Western Ontario Dr. Obasi’s early research examined hormonal influences on taste and palatability with particular emphasis on the impact of cholecystokinin on food intake. Her current research in Family Science focuses on identity at the individual, familial and community levels exploring the interplay between identity and access to affirming and culturally responsive care.