Student Spotlight - Bryanna White
Bryanna White
PhD Student
1. The "Spark"
What initially sparked your interest in this research area, and what problem are you most passionate about solving?
Initially, I was drawn to this research area after seeing how involved, large, and welcoming the HIV community was. Through that experience, I connected with others who felt like they did not fit in or were outsiders as well. The problem I am most passionate about solving is increasing awareness of the stigmas associated with chronic conditions such as HIV and how those stigmas add to the complexity of the Black American experience in a high HIV-incidence area like Memphis, Tennessee.
2. The "Journey"
Can you share a key moment or challenge in your research—an “aha!” discovery or a hurdle you overcame—and how you navigated it?
A key moment in my research that stood out to me was stepping into a close-knit HIV community and realizing the level of commitment, trust, and time required to build meaningful community connections. As someone entering that space, I learned the importance of showing up consistently. I navigated this by attending community meetings, participating in local HIV-related events, and working the Snap Out Stigma booth. These experiences allowed me to share stories of the lived experiences of people living with HIV in our area and create conversations around stigma awareness.
3. The "Big Picture"
How do you see your research impacting the real world or contributing to your field in the next few years?
Aging and living with HIV is becoming an increasingly relevant topic as more people with HIV are living longer and benefiting from long-term HIV treatment. As this population grows, understanding the impact of stigma alongside chronic health conditions becomes even more important. My research on the associations between stigma and chronic conditions will contribute to this evolving area of study and help raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by people aging with HIV.
4. The "Inspiration"
Who has influenced your research path (a teacher, scientist, mentor, or even a fictional character), and what is one thing you learned from them?
Dr. Latrice C. Pichon and one of my undergraduate professors, Dr. Aswathy Rai, whom I still keep in touch with, have continued to inspire me as examples of passionate and intelligent leadership within their respective fields. One of the most important lessons I have learned from them is that dedication to your craft can create meaningful impact, but the relationships you build along the way are often more valuable than the number of projects you complete.
5. The "Personal Touch"
What is one unique skill or non-academic hobby that supports your research or keeps you motivated?
One hobby that keeps me motivated is making time every day to go outside and walk a mile. It gives me an opportunity to clear my mind, recharge, and refocus. Sometimes, that daily walk is exactly what I need to finish a project or meet an important deadline.