ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½

Two Returning Scholars, Along with Three Newcomers Received Personalized Mentorship and Engaged in Rigorous Research within a Growth-oriented Learning Environment

ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ is proud to announce the selection of five students for the second cohort of the Du Bois Scholars Program. The program seeks to honor and uplift academic excellence through research-based collaboration with Harvard and historically Black colleges and universities.

The Du Bois Scholars Program is a fully funded, nine-to ten-week research internship at the Harvard College Summer Undergraduate Research Village for rising junior and senior college students from select R1, R2, and research-focused HBCUs and is supported by the Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative.

Fellows received dedicated hands-on mentorship and gained access to rigorous research and a learning environment that fosters intellectual growth and personal development. The program concluded with the fellows presenting their final projects to one another, faculty mentors, University staff, and family members. Kai Dickerson, C’2025, a returning fellow and a recent graduate of ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½, earned a B.S. in psychology on the pre-medical track. She is the co-creator of the Du Bois Scholars Program’s Campus Ambassadorship. Dickerson was paired with Matthew Nock, Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences.  She has conducted research at institutions including Harvard University, the University of Michigan, and Morehouse School of Medicine, focusing on clinical trial diversity, suicide, community wellness, and geriatric psychiatry.

Talia Ford, C’2026, a returning fellow and a rising senior, aims to mitigate the health disparities that disproportionately affect these groups. She is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in health sciences while on the pre-medical track. Her interest in medicine and research began after her grandfather’s cardiac arrest, which fueled her advocacy for optimal health and equity. Ford was paired with Elysia Larson from the Harvard Medical School. Upon completing her undergraduate studies, Ford plans to apply to medical school to gain further knowledge and skills to transform medical practices, ensuring quality care for all.

Guinn Harrison, C’2027, is a rising junior, majoring in English on the pre-law track. She was awarded the Dewitt Deans Scholarship and has been recognized for her academic prowess, evidenced by her consistent position on the Dean’s List. Through her experiences as Junior Class President, a congressional intern for Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a fellow in the Duke Pre-Law Fellowship Program, and a fellow in the Georgia Women’s Policy Institute, Herron has curated an exceptional skillset. After completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend law school in hopes of becoming a legal academic. Harrison was paired with Cornell Brooks from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Stoney McKnight, C’2026, is a rising senior at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ majoring in comparative women’s studies with a women’s health concentration on the pre-med track. She is a recent Georgetown University School of Medicine Academy for Research, Clinical, and Health Equity Scholarship Fellow, where she conducted research on metabolic syndrome in Black women with and without HIV. Upon completing her undergraduate studies, McKnight plans to attend graduate school to obtain a master's in public health and then apply to medical school, pursuing her dreams of becoming an OB/GYN. McKnight was paired with Michelle Joseph from the Harvard Medical School.

Kennedi Munson, C’2027, is a rising senior majoring in comparative women’s studies and minoring in sociology. She is a bilingual global citizen, having lived in Japan, México, and Panamá. As a student and member of the Ethel Waddell Githii Honors Program at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½, Munson utilizes her diverse background through her interests in advocating for women of color and the LGBTQIA+ community. After Spelman, Munson intends to become a human rights lawyer, where she advocates for marginalized beings around the world. Munson was paired with Tamarra James-Todd from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

To learn more about the Du Bois Scholars, visit the .