In an effort to delve into the lived experiences of women of color within academia, UMass Amherst has launched a research study exploring the intersection of self-care, wellness practices, and anti-racist advocacy actions. Seeking participants who identify as women of color amongst its faculty, staff, and student body, the university aims to shed light on the unique challenges and strategies this demographic employs in navigating higher education environments.

The study, headed by Jonique Childs, an assistant professor in the College of Education, and Cheryl Swanier, a senior teaching faculty member, is seeking voluntary participants willing to contribute approximately 15 minutes of their time to complete an online survey. Administered after signing an authorization consent form, participants without disclosing their identities, will contribute valuable data anticipated to inform academic publications.

With an Institutional Review Board's approval supporting the ethics of the research, the study is operating under the auspices of a fellowship initiative called Building Academic Leaders. Those interested in contributing to the understanding of antiracist behaviors and self-care mechanisms have been invited to participate by visiting the study's dedicated consent form and survey page.

The research spearheaded by Childs and Swanier, also aims to understand how the self-care practices are integrated into the daily lives of women of color, looking at how this relates to their antiracist advocacy behaviors. With confidentiality paramount, the researchers assert that "no personal identifiable information will be published" in the scientific journals where the study's findings are intended to be shared. Individuals with questions or seeking further clarity have been directed to contact the professors via email at their respective university addresses.