Ashley Burks Email and Phone Number

Selected as a fellow for the Health Humanities Lab, contributing to interdisciplinary research on healthcare inequities. As part of the 2024-2025 cohort, I am supporting the East Marshall Street Well Oral History Project, which focuses on uncovering and documenting the history of African American burial sites in Richmond, VA. This project explores the broader implications for community healing and health equity, linking historical narratives to present-day issues in healthcare.

As a Diversity Ambassador I advocate for diversity, inclusion, and social justice on campus. My role involves engaging students through events, workshops, and open conversations to foster a sense of belonging and support for all. I work closely with peers to gather feedback, promote understanding, and support initiatives that create a more inclusive campus community.

The VCU Health and Development Lab in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University is directed by Dr. Cecelia Valrie and includes graduate and undergraduate students. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of people living with sickle cell disease (SCD), and Black youth and young adults. We strive to understand the unique risk and protective factors and processes that lead to poor health outcomes for these populations, with a focus on pain, sleep, and health disparities. We also partner with various stakeholders (e.g., health care providers, community leaders and groups, public health agencies, people with SCD, youth and their families) to test, implement, and disseminate interventions. Our work is grounded in health psychology and developmental theories, and uses a mix of methodologies, including survey, interviews, and mhealth technology (e.g., ecological momentary assessments and sleep actigraphy) that allows for time-sensitive assessments in the environments people live in. It also spans the range of bio-behavioral research (e.g., focused on individual factors and processes) to community-engaged research (e.g., informed by, in partnership with, or led by community members).

Develop a digital content strategy for all primary social media channels to effectively meet institutional and division goals for audience growth and engagement.Produce captivating and high-quality content on a regular basis, showcasing a commitment to excellence and a dedication to delivering content that resonates with our audience.

Conducting collaborative, community-engaged research that promotes positive development among youth of color and their families. Assisting in the creation of engaging and informative digital content, as well as orchestrating effective strategies to recruit study participants.

Oversee interactions with the public through implementing content strategies on digital platforms

Lead and review the work of the creative teams for all digital marketing collateral.Develop and manage digital content strategy for both small and large projects.