The Minority Stress & Trauma (MST) Lab, directed by Dr. Jillian R. Scheer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Rhode Island, conducts mixed-methods research to improve the health and wellbeing of underserved, underrepresented, and minoritized populations, including sexual and gender minority people, cis and trans women living with HIV, and those with lived experience of sexual and relationship violence. The MST lab is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIAAA), the Rhode Island Foundation, the College of Health Sciences at URI, the William T. Grant Foundation. We also collaborate with several community partners, including Pride in Aging RI, Open Door Health/Rhode Island Public Health Institute, Sojourner House, and URI’s Gender and Sexuality Center.

If you are interested in learning more about this work or joining the MST lab research team, please contact jillian.scheer@uri.edu or mstlab-group@uri.edu.

Mission Statement

The Minority Stress & Trauma (MST) Lab is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and supportive research and training environment that is firmly rooted in anti-racism and social justice. We recognize that diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice are not just aspirational goals but essential foundations for conducting meaningful, rigorous, and impactful research. Our work centers on understanding and addressing health disparities and amplifying the voices of historically minoritized communities. We also aim to advance knowledge that contributes to health promotion, fosters resilience, and drives systemic change.

Our Core Commitments

Integrating Intersectionality & Inclusion Across All Domains
Diversity and inclusion are central to our research, clinical work, teaching, mentoring, and scholarship. We actively work to create an environment where individuals of all backgrounds—particularly those who hold minoritized and historically marginalized identities—are valued, respected, and empowered.

Upholding Feminist, Anti-Racist, and Trauma-Informed Principles
We embed feminist, anti-racist, and trauma-informed frameworks into our scientific inquiry and mentorship practices. These principles guide how we design our studies, interpret findings, and disseminate knowledge, ensuring that our work is responsive to the needs of marginalized and trauma-exposed communities.

Dismantling Oppressive Systems & Addressing Bias
Our lab is dedicated to critically examining and challenging oppressive structures in academia, healthcare, and society. We actively engage in self-education and encourage difficult conversations about biases, privilege, and systemic inequities. By questioning the status quo, we seek to foster an equitable and inclusive research environment.

Commitment to Recruitment & Retention of Underrepresented Scholars
We strive to recruit, support, and retain students, trainees, and collaborators from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, as well as individuals with other historically minoritized identities and lived experiences. Our goal is to provide equitable opportunities for mentorship, professional development, and leadership in the field.

Building and Sustaining Collaborative Partnerships
Our impact extends beyond the lab through collaborations with interdisciplinary scientists, healthcare professionals, community organizations, and advisory boards. We prioritize community-engaged research and value partnerships that integrate lived experience into the scientific process.

Department of Psychology
​University of Rhode Island
80 Washington Street, Providence, 02906
Lab Website: https://web.uri.edu/mst-lab/
Lab Instagram: mstlab_uri