Carlos Tavares | Photo by Adam Atkinson
Research area: My main research area is racial health disparities, primarily focused on the impact of racialized stress and potential mechanisms that might mitigate the adverse health effects of racism. Some of my research focuses on whether socioeconomic factors, such as income or education, protect Black American health. In other research I explore the potential protective effects of psychosocial factors, like racial identity. I’ve also recently worked on a project investigating COVID-19 racial disparities in Pennsylvania.
My Lafayette journey: What I’ve enjoyed the most here has been relationships with students and faculty. I went to a small liberal arts college and had close relationships with faculty mentors. I benefited from that environment, and it helped shape my career trajectory. I came to Lafayette in 2018, hoping to do the same thing. I’ve developed strong relationships with students and continue those relationships as they move into their careers and lives after Lafayette. When I was in graduate school, my mentor told me that just because I was graduating didn’t mean the mentor-mentee relationship would end. The idea of being a mentor “for life” significantly impacted how I approach mentoring. My department is also very collegial and supportive, both professionally and personally. They have genuinely made my Lafayette experience a positive one.
What I will be teaching in the fall: I’m teaching two classes in my research areas this fall. The Social Determinants of Health is an introduction to medical sociology and public health, which focuses on social influences like neighborhood social conditions, public policy, and environmental exposures that impact population and individual health. The other class I’m teaching is Race, Racism, and Health, which focuses more specifically on how racism, in its many forms, affects health.
Read more about faculty members who have been promoted to associate professor with continuous tenure.
