McNair Scholar 2023 Michael White
Michael White is a senior at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities majoring in Family Social Science with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. His research interests include Transracial adoption, BIPOC Community Mental Health, Addiction Therapy, Family Therapy, and Biracial Couples.
My dream is to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and help break the stigma around mental health in the BIPOC community.
Research project
Transracial Adoption: The Polarity of Racial Identity
Abstract: Transracial adoption in the United States can create barriers to developing a solid racial identity, and cultural development among transracial adoptees (TRA). These barriers are especially present in Black TRAs raised by White parents due to conflicting racial lenses and a lack of exposure to a TRA's own racial and cultural background. This book review on Transracial Adoption, Identity, and Racism in the United States by Kyrai E. Antares aims to highlight the importance of supporting the development of racial and cultural identity among Black TRAs. Antares is a licensed psychologist, professor, anti-racism consultant, and White adoptive mother of two with a mixed-race child. The book features interviews with nine Black emerging adults and their experiences of being raised by White parents, supported by Antares’ research on the subject. This book review will also have a personal and individual component as I am a Black TRA myself. I will call upon my own experiences to drive home the book’s potential real-world applications. The completed book review will be submitted for publication in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy.
Faculty mentor
Steven Harris is a Professor of Couple and Family Therapy, teaching doctoral and undergraduate students in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Dr. Harris Received his Ph.D. from Syracuse University. His research interest focuses on divorce ideation and marital reconciliation, relationship decision-making, ethical mental health delivery, the training and development of marriage and family therapists, and the effectiveness of relationship education. Dr. Harris currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, has over 80 published works, and has been featured on several media outlets (including: Podcasts, YouTube, and radio shows).