Meet the Director

Shantesica Gilliam, PhD, MPH

I’m Dr. Shantesica Gilliam, an Assistant Professor of Environmental and Health Sciences at Spelman College and a proud triple dawg—having earned my Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Health Promotion and Behavior from the University of Georgia. I started The SUPERNOVA Research Lab—Supporting Underserved Populations through Empowerment, Research, Networks, Outreach, and Vocal Advocacy—because I wanted to create a space where research is not only ethical and community-driven, but also rooted in justice and accessibility. The SUPERNOVA Lab reflects my deep commitment to advocacy and activism, both in the classroom and in the community. The lab is a direct extension of my belief that students should be engaged in hands-on, meaningful work that supports underrepresented communities (oftentimes their own communities) while preparing them to be future scientists, medical professionals, and leaders with knowledge and skills rooted in health equity and justice.

My research program focuses on several key areas:
a) developing practical resources and interventions for underserved populations impacted by trauma and violence,
b) advancing sexual/reproductive health and HIV prevention efforts,
c) examining racism as a public health crisis,
d) bridging the gap between research and practice by collaborating with community organizations already doing the work, and
e) conducting advocacy research to explore the intersectionality of maternal and child health outcomes.

My goal is always to decenter myself so that students can lead, grow, and thrive—both in and outside the classroom.

Our Team.

The heart of the SUPERNOVA Research Lab lies in its brilliant student researchers. Our research assistants are dedicated Spelman scholars who bring passion, creativity, and critical insight to every stage of the research process—from designing studies to engaging with communities and presenting findings. Each student in the lab is committed to advancing health equity, advocacy, and liberation-focused public health research. They play an essential role in shaping our projects, contributing to publications, organizing community programming, and fostering an inclusive and collaborative research environment. We are proud to support their growth as scholars, leaders, and changemakers.

Jalease Burke

Health Science Major C'26

Aaniyah Jarette

Biology Major C'26

Jayda Harris

Health Science Major C'25

Sheridan Lyles

Psychology Major C'26

Adrianna Morton

Sociology Major C'27

Bella Morris

Health Science Major C'26

Ayishat Yussuf

Psychology Major C'26

Nia Robertson

Sociology Major C'27

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Alexia Nwanko

Biology Major C'28

Kennedy Watson

Health Science Major C'28

Alumnae.

Our alumnae research assistants continue to embody the mission of The SUPERNOVA Lab long after graduation. These exceptional scholars have gone on to pursue advanced degrees in public health and biomedical sciences at leading institutions such as Boston University, Brown University, Emory University, and Columbia University. Their work in the lab helped lay the foundation for their academic and professional journeys—equipping them with research skills, a justice-centered framework, and a commitment to advocacy that continues to guide their careers. We are incredibly proud of our alumnae and the ways they are making a powerful impact across the country.