Teairah is a 5th-year Ph.D. Candidate in Communication at Cornell University. Her research investigates how racial/ethnic identity, power, and trust influence health-related goals, behaviors, perceptions, and interactions with the healthcare system among Black people. She uses socio-ecological and critical approaches to inform her work. Her research aims to address issues of systemic racism, unequal distributions of power, inequity, and inequality through communication-based intervention techniques. Teairah’s ultimate goal is to conduct research that will help cultivate an equitable, productive, and healthier society.

Prior to attending Cornell University, Teairah earned her B.S. in Biobehavioral Health, with a minor in Biology, from The Pennsylvania State University. She is also an alumna of the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program.

While at Cornell, Teairah earned her Master of Science in Communication and continues to pursue her Ph.D. She has also taken on several leadership roles within the Department of Communication and University.