About Dr. Childers

Welcome to my website! I am excited to share what I am learning about racism, health, and research. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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