We have a creative and dynamic team comprised of students and staff dedicated to improving the lives of IPV survivors. Check out who they are and what draws them to our work in the Threads Research Lab!

  • Kamila A. Alexander

    DIRECTOR AND PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

    I am passionate about connecting the dots between all forms of trauma and violence that impact the sexual, reproductive, and mental health of women and their families.

  • Catherine Clair

    Catherine Clair

    REDCAP SURVEY SPECIALIST, PHD CANDIDATE

    I am a PhD candidate in the Department of Health, Behavior and Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. My research focuses on using social network methods and analysis to measure personal and professional healthcare networks. My goal is to improve the relationships of individuals with their family, friends, and healthcare providers to ultimately support them and their health.

  • Rolicia Martin

    DRPH STUDENT
    As a researcher, I believe I must make space for Black women to tell their stories of IPV in their own words. We need to swap social stigma for social support.

  • Kennedy McDaniel

    SOCIAL DESIGNER
    I am a human-centered designer and lifelong resident of Baltimore. I am passionate about investing in Black women, girls, and gender-expansive youth.

  • Gloria Mpundu

    RESEARCH ASSISTANT, PHD STUDENT
    I am a first year PhD student interested in improving Sexual and Reproductive health outcomes among Black youth, and I am excited to continue to expand my knowledge on the topic as part of the Threads Research Lab.

  • Angel Boulware

    POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

    I am a first-year postdoctoral researcher at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where my work explores the intersection of public health, violence, and community-engaged research. My research aims to better understand the health implications of structural violence to improve health inequities for Black women and children. 

  • Terry Kim

    Graduate Research Assistant

    I am a Master of Science student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Johns Hopkins University, expected to graduate in May 2027. My research interests include community-based mental health interventions, health equity, and trauma-informed care for underserved communities. This work matters deeply to me because I view trauma healing and community engagement as forms of liberation work - creating spaces where individuals can heal, reclaim power, and thrive on their own terms.

  • Celumusa Ndlangamandla

    Research Assistant, PHD Student

    I am a PhD student at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. My research interests include adolescent health, mental health, and HIV, focusing on improving mental health care and HIV prevention among hard-to-reach adolescents and young people. As a member of the THREADS Research Lab, I hope to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community and advocate for equitable health.

  • Rachel Boateng

    Graduate Research Assistant

    I am a Master of Public Health candidate at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, graduating in May 2026. My research interest spans from women and reproductive health to child and adolescent health, with a particular attention to reducing health disparities and addressing the social determinants that shape the well-being of these populations. Through my work with the THREADS Research Lab, I aim to contribute to sustainable evidence-based interventions that advance equity and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

  • Ashley Graham

    Lead Facilitator

    I am a student in the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Johns Hopkins University, expected to graduate in May 2027. My research interests focus on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and promoting positive health outcomes for people of color, particularly African American and Caribbean communities. I was born and raised in Jamaica, which has profoundly shaped my passion for advancing health equity and promoting resilience among underserved populations.

  • Breanna Blankson

    Graduate Research Assistant

    I am a MSPH candidate at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. I proudly identify as a Ghanaian American from Ohio. ​My research interests center around maternal and adolescent health, health education and communication, and reducing health disparities. Through my work with THREADS, I have and will continue to home in on my passion for community-based research and interventions that drive measurable improvements in population health and advance equitable, culturally informed solutions for underserved communities.