Member Spotlight: Marketa Burnett, PhD

Tell us about your career development.

My research program focuses on ways to support the thriving of Black girls and Black families across various contexts. Much of my work to date has explored identity development and socialization as key developmental processes that are both gendered and racialized.

When I think about what drew me to this work, the answer is simple. I love Black people, and I love telling our stories. I view research as storytelling. It is an honor to be trusted to hold our hopes, dreams, sorrows, and joys. I am grateful for the opportunity to be in community where I conduct research WITH Black families in ways that are authentic and intentional. I can bring all of me into this work and know that bringing all of me will show others that the field needs all of them too. I have had some of the most brilliant Black women walk with me on this journey that have poured into me in ways that I will never be able to adequately represent in words (Dr. Shauna Cooper, Dr. Pamela Martin, Dr. Sheretta Butler-Barnes, Dr. Lauren Mims, just to name a few as there are MANY). Their mentorship has made all the difference.

Describe a recent finding, current study, or recent publication that you are excited about.

I am very excited about the new study my lab is launching soon entitled Dear Dreamer! With support from the SRCD Black Caucus Early Career Award Grant, this study will utilize a letter-writing activity to explore protective familial processes among Black caregivers raising adolescent Black girls. In particular, we seek to better understand the underlying motivations that guide Black caregivers’ messaging to their daughters about who they are and who they have the potential to become. Findings from this study will inform future family interventions and policies geared toward supporting Black girls’ wellbeing and development.  

What does the Black Caucus mean to you?

The Black Caucus to me means legacy. It is connection. It is both a safe and soft place to land. It is a reminder that we are never doing this work alone. We are literally standing on the shoulders of giants. At every stage of my journey, the Black Caucus has been a constant. The support is unmatched! What makes this support so special is that you will find this community all year long, not just at biennial conference. You won’t find better cheerleaders than the Black Caucus!          

What upcoming talks or presentations should we know about?

We are hosting an exciting pre-conference at SRA that will be announced soon. Stay tuned!  

You can learn more about Dr. Burnett’s work at https://hdfs.uconn.edu/person/marketa-burnett/

To self-nominate or nominate someone for the SRCD Black Caucus Member Spotlight visit: 

Questions about the spotlight may be sent to the Black Caucus Secretary, Naila Smith, at nailasmith@virginia.edu.