“With therapy being widely utilized yet still largely inaccessible to many Black individuals, it's crucial to devise interventions that effectively cater to their needs.”

Elizabeth Harris is a PhD candidate in the joint program in social work and sociology at the University of Michigan. Her journey in higher education began after a decade-long pause, during which she cared for her grandmother and later her mother, both of whom struggled with severe health issues. Despite these challenges, Elizabeth completed her undergraduate degree with highest honors from Shimer College in 2016.

Elizabeth’s graduate research focuses on the intersection of mental health, race, and social media. Her dissertation examines how Black TikTok mental health influencers shape the discourse around therapy for Black Americans. With an innovative approach, Elizabeth is exploring how these online interactions contribute to the mental health and societal positioning of Black social media users. About her vision, Elizabeth writes, “With therapy being widely utilized yet still largely inaccessible to many Black individuals, it’s crucial to devise interventions that effectively cater to their needs.” An adviser writes that Elizabeth’s research has “one of the most sophisticated and unique designs” he has seen in his career. Elizabeth has been recognized with numerous awards and fellowships, including the Rackham Predoctoral Research Fellowship and the Vivian A. and James L. Curtis Endowed Scholarship. 

As a first-generation college graduate, Elizabeth is passionate about mentoring and supporting students from similar backgrounds. She serves on the Social Work Supervisory Committee at the University of Michigan and is a steward for the Graduate Employees’ Organization. Elizabeth’s work extends beyond academia into her community. She volunteers with the Howard Brown Health Center, supporting LGBTQ+ youth, and she is dedicated to using her research to create meaningful change in mental health practices and policies. 

CEW+ applauds Elizabeth’s excellence and names her the Margaret Dusseau Brevoort Scholar.