Black Scholars Speak

In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, host Janelle Gore sits down with Dr. Jaysón Davidson, Clinical Informaticist. Dr. Davidson takes us behind the scenes of computational research, breaking down how electronic health records are reshaping the way we understand treatment access and health disparities. But this conversation goes far beyond the lab. Jaysón opens up about the very human side of t...

Audio Note:  You may notice some brief sound dipping when Janelle is speaking in parts of the episode. We sincerely apologize for the audio inconsistency and appreciate your grace as we continue improving the production quality of the show. In this episode of  Black Scholars Speak , Shani Strader, a second-year PhD student at the UAB School of Nursing, unpacks what it truly means to pursue a PhD a...

In this episode of  Black Scholars Speak , we sit down with Omarion Calloway who is a senior at NYU majoring in film and is a former young caregiver, for a powerful conversation about his experience being a young Black scholar while also helping provide care for his family members. Omarion shares what it meant to balance caregiving at an young age with school, navigating bullying and racism in edu...

In this episode of  Black Scholars Speak , Dr. Amber Sophus takes us on a bold, affirming journey through academic mentorship and the realities of Black women’s sexual health. She breaks down why mentorship isn’t optional in academia—it’s a survival tool—and shares how building a “mentorship team” can provide the layered support needed to thrive in research, leadership, and advocacy spaces. Togeth...

As we enter into the first week of  2026 , this episode couldn’t be more timely. If you’ve ever felt that nudge telling you it was time for a change, or that you needed to get a game plan together in moments of uncertainty, like when the Trump administration cut millions in academic funding— this episode is for you . In this episode of  Black Scholars Speak , we speak with  Erica Shoemate  for a p...

This episode hit close to home. As someone who has recently lost both my mother and my grandmother in the same year and my family and I were over here depending on dreams to guide us in what my mom would want because we were not fully prepared for the realities of end-of-life care. Life does not stop "lifeing" while navigating a PhD program, this conversation with Dr. Karen Moss felt bot...

In this episode of  Black Scholars Speak , Dr. Ethlyn McQueen-Gibson joins us for a rich and heartfelt conversation about purpose, community, and the power of showing up. Drawing from her upbringing and over 40 years in nursing, Dr. McQueen-Gibson shares how her commitment to serving older adults shaped her career from clinical practice to academia—while continuing to keep one foot in the communit...

In this episode of Black Scholars Speak , we sit down with a trailblazing researcher, Dr. Tamara Baker, whose work bridges science, equity, and legacy. From her academic beginnings at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) to her rise as the 2026 President-Elect of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), she shares her powerful journey into aging research and the study of chronic pain among...

In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, host Janelle Gore shares her personal journey as a student athlete transitioning into academia. She discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by student athletes, the importance of mental health, and the process of applying to graduate programs. Janelle emphasizes the skills gained from sports that are transferable to academic success and encourages...

Join Dr. Feylyn Lewis for The Breakdown , as she takes over the podcast to host and share her personal journey and professional insights into the world of youth caregiving. Discover the challenges and triumphs faced by young caregivers, and learn how we can support them through recognition, financial aid, and emotional guidance. Dr. Lewis highlights the importance of community involvement, leverag...

In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, host Janelle Gore interviews Dr. Feylyn Lewis, a leading expert on youth caregiving. Dr. Lewis shares her personal journey as a youth caregiver, the challenges faced by young caregivers, and the importance of research and advocacy in this field. The conversation explores the mental health impacts of caregiving, the cultural and socioeconomic factors that in...

Why are Black women in America still 2.6 times more likely to die during pregnancy than their white counterparts? In this episode of  Black Scholars Speak , we sit down with powerhouse nurse and maternal health researcher  Dr. Roseline Jean Louis  to unpack the deep-rooted racism, provider bias, and lack of empathy that continue to put Black mothers at risk. Born in Petit Goave, Haiti, and now a r...

In this heartfelt, energetic, passionate, and wisdom-filled episode, Dr. Fayron Epps gets real about the ups and downs of her academic journey—from the hurdles she faced in school to the life challenges that followed. Whether you're just starting out or deep in your academic grind, this episode will have you laughing and inspired to keep going—because through it all, "it’s all good—we’re...

Did you know it is projected that by 2030, 40% of those with a dementia diagnosis will be Black or Latino? Remember, this is just a STATISTIC, so WE have the POWER not to make this a reality! Dr. Fayron Epp's episode of The Breakdown highlights the importance of uplifting our Black faith communities so they can better support and educate congregants concerning this disease. She developed a program...

Welcome to the very first episode of  Black Scholars Speak ! I’m your host, Janelle Gore, and I’m so excited to kick off this space where we’re connecting research, culture, and community—all to amplify Black voices. In this episode, I’m sharing a bit about my journey, from Texas Southern University to my PhD journey in clinical psychology, plus the life experiences that inspired me to start this...

Introduction