Dr. Leslie Collins:  Primary Investigator & Project Director

Leslie V. Collins, PhD is an assistant professor in psychology at Fisk University in the Department of Behavioral Sciences.  She is constantly striving to be a good scholar, community member, neighbor, friend, daughter, sister, and aunt.  For over 22 years, Leslie has been working—professionally or as a volunteer--with small, community-based organizations in various capacities.  As the Director of Programs and Services for the Alzheimer’s Association Mid-South Chapter; and an education coordinator and therapist for the Rape and Sexual Abuse Center (RSAC).  As an Assistant Professor at Fisk University, Dr. Collins is commented to mentoring and advising students from underrepresented students in the academy, encouraging them to pursue post baccalaureate degrees.  Leslie’s research includes examining the effects of social inequality on individual and community well-being. 

As a neighbor and advocate for social equity and justice, Leslie has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children, member of the NAACP, AARP, member of Cayce United (a project for equitable housing), National Organization for Women, the Human Rights Campaign.  She has also volunteered for the Urban Epicenter, Jobs with Justice, Nashville Economic Justice Alliance, Nashville Community Oversight Board, the homeless power project and the Tennessee Immigrants and Refugees Center.  

Carlin Rushing: Program Development Consultant

Carlin Rushing is a graduate of Spelman College and holds a Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt Divinity School with certificates from both the Carpenter Program in Religion and Sexuality and the Kelly Miller Smith Institute on Black Church Studies.

She brings to this position over ten years of experience as a program development consultant.

Antonio McFadden: Health Education Specialist

Antonio Toran McFadden was raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and takes great pride in his southern spirit and charm. Currently Antonio serves as a Health Education Specialist at Fisk University, a job that gives him the opportunity to build community, connect and be a positive influence for young MSMs (men who sleep with men).  As a d-up!  facilitator, Antonio works to create safe learning environments for all persons who participate in the two-day retreat-style intervention.

Antonio began his journey to this work six years ago after serving as an intern for THRIVE, Alabama’s public relations department. When he isn’t at work, Antonio’s hobbies and passions include: music, fashion, art, and dancing. Antonio’ daily motto is “to create something it has to start from nothing.” 

Emily Tyra : Outreach and Research Evaluation Support Specialist

Emily Tyra graduated with a BA in psychology from Fisk in May 2020. She has done work revolving around quantitative and qualitative research. This includes developing and coding questionnaires. She is interested in racial and ethnic identity, as well as sexual health and orientation. Emily is the proud mother of a two-year old daughter, Nova.

Sandra Barnes: Former Primary Investigator

Sandra L. Barnes research and teaching areas include: Sociology of Religion, urban sociology, inequality, statistics, and African American studies. Dr. Barnes obtained her B.S. from Fisk University, M.S. degrees from Georgia Institute of Technology and the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), and Ph.D. from Georgia State University. She has written eight books, served as lead author on three edited volumes, and published almost 50 academic articles.