Student Affliates > Nkiru Nnawulezi

Understanding how black women identify, define, and seek help for gendered violence (intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking) is my primary research interest. I am also interested in the experiences of black women as they navigate both formal and informal systems of support when seeking help for gendered violence. By utilizing ecological frameworks that address the intersections of race, class, and gender, my ultimate goal is to identify and develop intervention strategies that reduce this violence and increase overall well-being within African American communities. My secondary research interests include studying the professional role of black women in the Violence against Women movement and examining the benefits of culturally specific, violence intervention and prevention programs.

Research Experience

Research Assistant, PI: Cris Sullivan

(2008-2009) Developing a Violence against Women Research Infrastructure in a Field Setting

Research Assistant, PI: Sheryl Kubiak

(2008-2009) Assessing Help Seeking among Formerly Incarcerated Women

Graduate Interviewer, P.I. Robin Miller

(2009) HIV/STI Risk Reduction and Safe Pregnancy Research Project

Graduate Recruiter/Interviewer, P.I. Miles McNall and Robin Miller

(2009) Michigan Needs Assessment: Young Men’s Health Study

Evaluation Consultant

(2009) Serenity Services Program Evaluation

Independent McNair Research Project

(2007-2008)Redefining Strength: How the Understanding of Strength Influenced Coping in Black Female Survivors

Community Involovement

Polaris Project, Washington, DC
Resource Call Specialist
Doorways for Women and Families, Arlington, VA
Domestic Violence Shelter Intern
DC Rape Crisis Center, Washington, DC
Backup Supervision, Hotline Counselor, Hospital Advocate

Honors and Awards

Michigan State University Summer Support Graduate Retention Fellowship (Summer 2009)
Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate 2009 Scholar Award (2009)
Michigan State University Academic Achievement Graduate Assistantship (2008 – 2009)
Michigan State University Summer Support Graduate Recruitment Fellowship (Summer 2008)
Multicultural Affairs/International Student Scholars Leadership Award (2008)
William Randolph Hearst Scholarship (2007)
McNair Scholar (2007 – 2008)
American University’s Dean’s List (Fall 2005 – Spring 2007)
Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver Academic Scholarship (2004 – 2008)
Elks Club National Speech College Scholarship (2004)

Conference Presentations

Nnawulezi, N (2008).

Redefining Strength: How the understanding of strength influence coping in black female survivors.

Paper Presentation at Robyn Rafferty Mathias Student Research Conference.