Misha N. Ailsworth (formerly Inniss-Thompson), PhD is the director of the Black Girl Visions Collaborative (BGVC) and an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology.  Her research team, BGVC, conducts qualitative and mixed-methods research that examines how families, communities, and schools shape Black girls’ identity development and mental health and wellness.

Dr. Ailsworth is passionate about centering youth voices in the research process through methodological approaches such as photovoice and youth participatory action research. She works alongside community partners to develop culturally responsive and asset-focused programming to support youth positive development. For example, she partners with a local middle school to develop reading discussion guides that bridge theoretical perspectives about identity development and critical consciousness with middle-grade and young-adult books featuring a diverse array of characters. She has also partnered with nonprofit organizations focused on youth mental health, education, social policy, and reproductive health.

To learn more visit: www.psychology.cornell.edu/misha-ailsworth.