About Dr. Childers
Author, Researcher, Bridge-Builder
Welcome to my website! I am excited to share what I am learning about racism, health, and research.
My research interests represent my varied personal and professional experiences. I grew up attending public schools where I was one of many students of color, and I have also attended schools where I was one of very few students of color. I have spent time teaching fifth graders at a predominantly white private school, leading youth projects as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic, and digging deeply into theories that try to make sense of global inequality.
It has felt like each professional decision was the next right step, or the next right twist in a kaleidoscope where I aim to shed light on the social inequalities evident in our world. At each turn, I learn more about connections between seemingly separate observations. For example, my attendance at a predominantly white high school was my first encounter with the vast gap in resource allocation between the rich and the poor. My time as a Peace Corps volunteer made this gap even more apparent, but on a global scale. And my research on racism and citizenship weaves the thread of structural racism between my personal and professional experiences.
In each of these endeavors, I have learned the importance of building coalitions, partnering with community organizations, and identifying ways to amplify marginalized voices. I have also learned the value of naming unequal power dynamics that consistently place profit over people. Most importantly, I am a mother of three beautiful Black boys who are my daily reminder of the urgency of this work. Through my writing, bridge-building, and research, I strive to contribute to efforts that shape a more equitable world where they can thrive.

Education
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Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Sheps Center for Health Services Research, UNC-Chapel Hill, 2018
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PhD, Sociology, Duke University, 2017
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MA, Sociology, Duke University, 2013
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BA, Sociology (with honors), Ethnic Studies Concentration, Davidson College, 2005
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Study Abroad Program, University of Wollongong, Australia, 2004

Honors & Awards
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Loan Repayment Program Award, National Institutes of Health (NIMHD), 2018-present
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National Research Service Award (NIMH), Mental Health Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, 2017–2018
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Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship, 2016
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Katherine Goodman Stern Fellowship, Duke University, 2015
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National Science Foundation Dissertation Improvement Grant, 2014
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Fulbright Scholarship - U.S. Student Program, United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, 2014
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James B. Duke International Research Travel Fellowship, Duke University, 2014
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Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship (Haitian Creole), Duke University, 2013
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Volunteer Activities Support and Training Grant, U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Peace Corps, 2009
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Hearst Teaching Fellowship, Charlotte Country Day School, 2005
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Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honor Society, Davidson College, 2005