A Spelman College student, Kai Dickerson has been selected for Harvard University’s W.E.B. Du Bois Scholars Program. This fully funded, 9-week summer research internship targets scholars from top HBCUs.
Named after W.E.B. Du Bois, a sociologist, historian, and civil rights leader known for his significant role in the NAACP and his advocacy for social justice and racial equity, the program embodies his commitment to these causes. It aims to advance inclusion and address historical and ongoing challenges of racial inequity within academia and society.
He was the first Black American to earn a PhD from Harvard University and was an alumnus of Fisk University.
Participants benefit from personalized mentorship, an intensive research environment, and the opportunity to present their findings to peers and faculty. They also engage with the Harvard Summer Undergraduate Research Village, forging valuable connections and experiences.
Dickerson’s journey to Harvard began with a simple Instagram scroll. “I saw a post on the Spelman research page about the W. E. B. Du Bois Scholars Program at Harvard. Immediately, I knew it was something I needed to explore,” she shared.
The W.E.B. Du Bois Scholars Program underlines Harvard’s dedication to confronting racial inequities and fostering diversity in academia. “The program’s focus on HBCU students and its connection to W.E.B. Du Bois made it incredibly meaningful. I saw it as a chance to grow academically and make a broader impact,” Dickerson explained.
This program attracts a diverse pool of global applicants and plays a crucial role in Harvard’s social justice initiatives, potentially influencing other institutions with similar missions.
Dickerson’s commitment to mental health, fueled by her own experiences with anxiety and a strong dedication to community well-being, guides her academic and professional goals. “When I became more aware of the disparities and social injustices surrounding mental health, I wanted to do everything I could to make sure others didn’t have to face those challenges alone,” she said.
Her passion for holistic psychiatry motivates her to delve into mental health issues on both community and individual levels. She expanded her research at Harvard under Dr. Rebekka Lee, focusing on studies struggling with diversity enrollment requirements. “I focused on the role of physicians in recruiting patients into clinical trials, exploring how the physician-patient relationship can be optimized by researchers,” she noted.
Dr. Lee praised Dickerson’s work, saying, “Kai was an absolute joy to work with this summer! She exemplified what I hope for the future of public health and medicine — an unwavering commitment to equity and curiosity that pushes those around her. ”
Reflecting on her transition from Spelman College to Harvard, Dickerson felt well-prepared. “ felt confident in my placement and was able to lean on the learning I received both inside and outside the classroom to navigate Harvard,” she said.
In addition to her Harvard experience, Dickerson recently studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa, where she analyzed healthcare systems and their impact on health outcomes. “We looked at the political climate, history, and the diverse personalities of the city to understand how these factors influence health outcomes,” she explained.
Looking ahead, Dickerson plans to address public health issues like food insecurity and social determinants of health before pursuing medical school.
Dickerson is determined to make a global impact as both a psychiatrist and public health advocate, aiming to foster healthier and more equitable communities. Reflecting on her upbringing, she said, “Education was always emphasized in my household…I want to use my platform to ensure people feel okay enough to want to live and thrive.”
Her time as a W.E.B. Du Bois Scholar has been pivotal in reinforcing her commitment and equipping her to drive change. “I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity. If it weren’t for Spelman, I wouldn’t be here at Harvard. I’m thankful for my home institution and everything it has done to prepare me for this moment,” she concluded.
