Headshot of Buffie Longmire-Avital

Buffie Longmire-Avital

Professor of Psychology and Director of the Black Lumen Project

Department: Psychology

Office and address: Powell Building, office 208-B 2977 Campus Box Elon, NC 27244

Phone number: (336) 278-6527

Professional Expertise

Applied Developmental Psychology, Black women's health and well-being, sexual risk behavior, obesity, minority status stress

Brief Biography

I am a diversity, inclusion, and racial equity (D.I.R.E ©) scholar-educator. In academic year 2021-2022 I became the first Black-identified faculty member promoted to the rank of professor in the College of Arts & Sciences at Elon University. I am a member of the Psychology department, the inaugural director of the Black Lumen Project, an equity initiative, and I am currently serving as the president appointed, Faculty Administrative Fellow for Mentoring. I previously served as the coordinator of the African and African American Studies interdisciplinary minor program for six years. I received my PhD in Applied Developmental Psychology from New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.

For nearly two decades my research has focused on how systemic injustices in combination with various psychosocial factors contribute to health inequities that impact racial and sexual minorities. Through a critical community health frame, my primary research explores how the adoption of high effort coping responses (e.g., strong Black woman, hyper vigilance) in response to chronic minority status stressors (e.g., daily encounters with discrimination, microaggressions, racism, poverty) play a part in the development of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors (e.g., high risk sexual encounters, emotional eating) and mental health outcomes for young collegiate adults. My secondary research examines how to create virtual community-based intervention programs, targeting Black American women living with chronic health conditions, such as a diagnosis of HIV or those who have adopted high effort coping responses (e.g., strong Black woman), that sustain well-being, increase self-care and self-compassionate beliefs. I have received both internal and external funding awards to support my ongoing health inequities research throughout my career.  

Through my funded community collaboration with SEEDS of Healing, Inc, a non-profit in Wilmington, NC, our team created an online social networking website to generate a safe and informative space for Black women living with HIV throughout the south. The site specifically served as a vehicle for minimizing loneliness and fatigue from the ongoing pandemic/endemic. Additionally, I recently mentored a $20,000 Lumen Prize student research project that created an 8-week virtual intervention for Black American collegiate women struggling with psychosocial wellness during the pandemic. In 2022 I was named a Race, Religion, and American Judaism Fellow with the Center for Jewish Ethics and National Endowments for the Humanities. This funded work explored the messages and conversations Jewish parents have with their children about race and racism in society and specifically within the Jewish community. My data collection takes place in non-laboratory settings often in partnership with members of the community through various community venues, including online social networking sites. I also incorporate community-based participatory research techniques into most of my projects.

I have published numerous articles and serve on the editorial boards of multiple academic journals. In 2016, I served as a guest editor for Perspectives on Undergraduate Research and Mentoring Journal for an issue on working with historically underrepresented students in undergraduate research. I continued this work as the Center for Engaged Learning (CEL) Scholar from 2018 – 2020. My widely read CEL blogs focus on how to generate and sustain critically conscious, equitable approaches that support underserved and often invisible students' engagement in High Impact Practices through critically informed reparative mentorship. I have reprised the role of guest editor for another issue dedicated to equity in undergraduate research mentored relationships, which is slated to be released in fall of 2023

Elon College of Arts and Sciences has formally recognized my excellence in mentorship as well as leadership service. In 2022 I was awarded the K. Wilhelmina Boyd for Outstanding Service to Black Students by the Elon Black Alumni Network [EBAN]. I am also a recipient of the prestigious National Institutes of Health, Loan Repayment Program for Health Disparities and National Research Service Award.

Links

    Education

    New York University, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development (2008) -Ph.D. in Applied Psychology (Concentration in Psychological Development)

    Dissertation: Exploring the relations among racial identity, perceptions of family socioeconomic status, and self-esteem for emerging adults.

    Lafayette College (2002) - BS in Psychology (Cum Laude)

    Honors Thesis: The implications of gender and race: Perceptions of leadership style effectiveness    

    Employment History

    Postdoctoral Fellowship: Behavioral Science Training (BST) in Drug Abuse Research National Development and Research Institutes, Inc. (2008 - 2010)

    Postdoctoral Fellow: Hunter College’s Center for HIV/AIDS Educational Studies and Training (2008 - 2010)

    Data Analyst and Program Evaluator: The Door - A Center for Alternatives. Adolescent Health Center and Information Technology (2006 - 2008)

    Research and Policy Intern: The Children's Defense Fund - NY (2004)

    Courses Taught

    Psychology in the Cultural Context

    Psychology Senior Seminar

    Global Experience (CORE 110)

    Community Psychology - Service Learning

    Lifespan Human Development Psychology - Service Learning

    Health Psychology

    Early Childhood Development Psychology

    Non-Empirical Research Methods

    General Psychology (Intro)

    Leadership Positions

    Faculty Administrative Fellow for Mentoring, Co-Chair of the Mentoring Design Team

    Director, Black Lumen Project: An Equity Initiative

    Coordinator, African & African-American Studies at Elon (AAASE) interdisciplinary minor

    Grants Awarded

    Race, Religion, and American Judaism Fellowship - Center for Jewish Ethics and National Endowment for the Humanities (2022)*

    Achieving Racial Equity in College Sports Challenge Grant: Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics (2022)*

    Spark Grant – Compass Initiative and Southern AIDS CoalitionSpark Grant, Compass Initiative and Southern AIDS Coalition (2020)*

    Faculty Research and Development Summer Fellowship, Elon University (2016)

    Faculty Research and Development Summer Fellowship, Elon University (2013)

    Fund for Excellence, Elon University (2012 - 2013) 

    Diverstity Infusion Program Grants, Elon University: General Psychology and Lifespan Development (2011 - 2012)

    Hultquist Research Stipend, Elon University  (2011)

    *indicates external funding

     

    Publications

    List reflects only peer-reviewed journal articles and chapters. CEL blogs can be found here

    Note: Student names in italics

    Longmire-Avital, B., Ellington, S., & Roberts, A. (Under Review). “Backbones of our family”: How Black American mothers cope with discrimination stress while socializing their daughters.

    Longmire-Avital, B., Dahl, J., Wallace, L. & Grady, S. (Under Review). Factors contributing to medication adherence for Black American women living with HIV during COVID-19.

    Longmire-Avital, B. & Finkelstein, J.  (2022). Raising Super women… and Emotional Eaters (?): Exploring the relationship between socialized coping responses to discrimination and eating pathology behaviors for collegiate Black women. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy.

    Longmire-Avital, B. & Felton, P. (2021). Forward. In T.M. Addy, D. Dube, K.A. Mitchell, & M. SoRelle. What Inclusive Instructors Do: Principles and Practices for Excellence in College Teaching. Stylus Publishing.

    Longmire-Avital, B. & Finkelstein, J. (2021). “She does not want me to be like her”: Exploring maternal communication around eating pathology risk for collegiate Black women. Women and Therapy, https://doi.org/10.1080/02703149.2021.1927400

    Longmire-Avital, B. (2019). “I asked for the papers”: How emerging adult Black women request sexual health information. Journal of Black Sexuality and Relationships, 6(1), 29 -40.

    Walker, J. & Longmire-Avital, B. (2018). Between resiliency and depression: The roles of racial identity, sexual identity, and social support on well-being for Black LGB young adults. Journal of Black Sexuality and Relationships, 4 (4), 1 - 16.

    Longmire-Avital, B. & McQueen, C. (2018). Exploring a Relationship between Race-Related Stress and Obesity Risk Behaviors for Collegiate Black American Women. Women & Health Journal, DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2018.1478361

    Longmire-Avital, B., Madzima, T., & Bierut, E. (2018). Race, Gender, and Exercise: Investigating the High Calorie Burning Activities of Collegiate Females. Women in Sport and Physical Activity, 2(26), 69 - 75.

    Longmire-Avital, B. & Robinson, R. (2017). Young, Depressed, and Black: A Comparative Exploration of Depressive Symptomatology among Black and White Collegiate Women. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, 32 (1), 53-72.

    Miller-Dyce, C., Longmire-Avital, B., (2017). Learning from teachers: Critically conscious educational leadership for engaging diverse families in title I schools. In A. Esmail, A. Pitre, and A. Aragon (Eds). Perspectives on Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice in Educational Leadership. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield.

    Longmire-Avital, B., & Reavis, B. M. (2017). “Deep Like the Sea and Strong Like the Earth” Exploring the Ideal Partner Characteristics of Young Adult Heterosexual Black Women. Journal of Black Psychology, 43(1), 77-103.

    Longmire-Avital, B. & Oberle, V. (2015). “Condoms are the standard, right?”: Exploratory study of the reasons for using condoms by Black American emerging adult women. Women & Health.

    Longmire-Avital, B.  & Miller-Dyce, C. (2015). Factors related to perceived status in the campus community for first generation students at an HBCU. College Student Journal, 49 (3) 375 - 386.

    Walker, J. & Longmire-Avital, B., Golub, S.A.(2015). Racial and sexual identities as potential buffers to risky sexual behavior for Black gay and bisexual emerging adult men.Health Psychology, 34 (8), 841 - 846.

    Darby, A., Longmire-Avital, B., & Chenault, J. (2013). Student motivation in academic service-learning. College Student Journal, 47 (1), 185 – 192.

    Walker, J. & Longmire-Avital, B. (2013). The Impact of religious faith and internalized homonegativity on resiliency for Black Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual emerging adults. Developmental Psychology, 49 (9), 1723 – 1731.  DOI 10.1037/a0031059.

    Longmire-Avital, B., Golub, S., Parsons, J.T., Brennan, M., & Karpiak, S. E.  (2012). Finanction among aging Black adults with HIV. Journal of HIV/AIDS and Social Services, 11(4), 363 – 374.

    Longmire-Avital. B & Holder, C., Golub, S., & Parsons, J.T. (2012). Risk factors for drinking among HIV-positive African American adults: Depression, gender, and motivation. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 38 (3), 260 – 266. PMID: 22324798.

    Golub, S., Walker, J., Longmire-Avital, B. Bimbi, D. & Parsons, J. (2010). Exploring the Interaction between Religiosity, Social Support & Stress-Related Growth among Transgender Women. Journal of Health Psychology, 15, 1135-1144. PMC2935511.

    Longmire-Avital, B., Golub, S. & Parsons, J.T. (2010). Self-reevaluation as a critical component in sustained viral load improvement for HIV adults with alcohol problems. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 40, 176 – 183. PMC2939147.

    Longmire-Avital, B. (2009). Identity Crises. In Nancy A. Piotrowski (ed.) Salem Health: Psychology and Mental Health. Pasadena, CA: Salem Press.

    St. Cyr, D. S.; updated by Longmire-Avital, B. (2009). Adolescence: Cross-cultural patterns. In Nancy A. Piotrowski (ed.) Salem Health: Psychology and Mental Health. Pasadena, CA: Salem Press.

    Cooper, R., Longmire, B., & Chin, K. (2006). Keeping what they’ve earned: Working New Yorkers and Tax Credits. Children’s Defense Fund.

    Presentations

    Invited Talks, Keynote Addresses, Podcasts, and Panels:

    2023         

    1. What You Say, and What I Hear! Communication and Sustainability in a Diverse Community. Keynote Address for Empowering Voices Day, Albright College.
    2. We Are a People Who Carry. Closing Address for Donning of the Kente Graduation Ceremony. Elon University.
    3. Intentional Design for Including Historically Underrepresented Excluded Minority Students in High Impact Practices. Keynote for HIPs Conference, Central Washington University.
    4. Episode 42: How to Talk to Your Kids About Race. Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations. https://evolve.fireside.fm/42
    5. Ewell, E., Hall, E., Longmire-Avital, B., Miller, S. & Wyatt, C. The Emergence of Trust in Multi-Institutional SoTL on Conditions for Meaningful Learning. Opening Keynote Address for the 2023 Conference on Engaged Learning.
    6. Exploring the Intersection of Antisemitism and Racism. Two-part class for Beth David Synagogue, Adult Education Offerings.

    2022         

    1. Historically Underrepresented or Historically Excluded: Equitable Re-centering in the Pursuit of Sustainable Inclusive Action. Keynote Address for College of Arts & Sciences, Illinois State University.
    2. Morning Coffee and Call to Service: Exploring the Intersections of Black and Jewish Identity in America. Sponsored by Jewish Federation of North America, National Day of Service (Panel).
    3. Reparative Equity by Design: Reconstructing the Research and Mentorship Space to Sustain Access for Historically Excluded Minority Students. Organized by College of Saint Benedict – Saint John’s University office of Undergraduate Research (Invited Talk).
    4. The Cost of the Climb: Understanding and Centering Black Women’s Experience in College. Invited Psi Chi Address. Southeastern Psychological Association Annual Conference. Hilton Head, SC.
    5. Leaning In to Lean On: The Sustained Impact of Undergraduate Research Participation. Opening Plenary for the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. Organized by the Council for Undergraduate Research (Invited Address).
    6. Entering the Mentor-Verse: Recognizing and Finding your Critical Mentors. Closing Plenary for the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. Organized by the Council for Undergraduate Research (Invited Address).
    7. The Transformative Power of a Critical Mentor: Engaging and Sustaining Minority Student Participation in High Impact Practices. Marist College (Invited Talk).
    8. Episode 3:6. Buffie Longmire-Avital on Research, Mentoring, and Diversity. The Agile Academic. https://theagileacademic.buzzsprout.com/1637707/10706609
    9. Building Sustainable Diversity, Inclusion, and Racial Equity in Higher Education. Inclusive Excellence Summer Assembly. Quinnipiac University (Keynote Address).
    10. Understanding How Jewish Parents Conceptualize and Socialize Racial and Ethnic Awareness. Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society, Elon University (Invited Talk).

    2021         

    1. Sitting by the Door. Keynote Address Donning of the Kente Law and Health Sciences Graduation Celebration. Elon University.
    2. Just Breath with Us: Understanding Stress and Health for Black Women. Sponsored by SEEDS of Healing, inc. Webinar (Invited Presentation/Talk).
    3. Teaching our Children About Racism and Embracing Diversity Through a Jewish Lens. Sponsored by Jewish Community Relations Committee of Metropolitan Detroit. Virtual (Featured Panelist).
    4. Engaging Equity and Reducing Harm: A Critically Inclusive Vision for Undergraduate Research. Keynote Address for Council for Undergraduate Research 2021 Conference on Centering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity.
    5. Building Blocks of Implicit Bias. STEM Institute. Elon University, Elon, NC. (Virtual Keynote Lecture).
    6. Listening, Un-Learning and Re-Learning about Race in the Jewish Community. Sponsored Jewish Experiences, A collaboration between the Jewish Federation of Kansas City and The J. (Invited Talk).
    7. Somebody Knows Your Sorrows. Closing Address Donning of the Kente Graduation Celebration. Elon University
    8. Divided America: A Conversation on Race, Policing and Justice. Elon University, Elon, NC. (Panel)
    9. What Could Racial Equity in Jewish Communal Life Look Like and How Do We Get There? Jewish Council for Public Affairs Annual Conference. Virtual (Panel)
    10. Passing the Mic: Reflections on Jewish Racial Identity. Jewish Foundation and Jewish Federation. Nashville, T.N. (Panel).
    11. For Wyatt Outlaw: A Film and Panel Discussion on Lynching in the US. Elon University, Elon, NC. (Panel and Moderator).
    12. BIPOC Mental Health Professionals Panel. Sponsored by MindVersity and STEM for BLM (Panel).
    13. Morning Coffee and A Call to Service: Exploring the Intersection of Black & Jewish Identity in America. Sponsored by Jewish Federation of North America, National Day of Service, and the Biden-Harris Presidential Inauguration Committee (Panel).

    2020         

    1. World AIDS Day: The Quilt Comes to Wilmington keynote address. Sponsored by SEEDS of Healing, Inc and the Frank Harr Foundation.
    2. Future Casting: What is the future of Women in Higher Education. Empowered to Lead: Women in Higher Education Conference. North Carolina A&T University, Greensboro, NC. (Panel)
    3. Flipping Femininity: Navigating the Stress of Working Black motherhood. Sponsored by Minority Enterprise Development Week, University of North Carolina-Wilmington (Panel).
    4. Raising Super women… and Emotional Eaters (?): Exploring the relationship between socialized coping responses to discrimination and disordered eating for collegiate Black women. CUNY Graduate Center for Developmental Psychology (Invited talk).
    5. Microaggressions, Narratives and Jews: An Inclusive Approach with Dr. Buffie Longmire-Avital. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (Invited talk).
    6. From Ashkenormativity to Anti-Racism: Listening to and Learning from Jews of Color 2-Part Series. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greensboro (Panel).
    7. Race, Reflections, and Discussion Series. Part 1: Systemic Racism. Sponsored by Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education. Elon University, Elon, NC. (Panel).
    8. Authentic Dialogue toward Real Change: Faculty and Staff. Elon University (Panel).
    9. Fighting Fatigue: The Other Side of Social Justice Work. Sponsored by Campus Greensboro (Invited talk).
    10. Engaging and sustaining minority student participations in undergraduate research. Sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research, Elon University (Invited talk).
    11. Punishment, Shame, and Control. Annual Meeting of the Society of Jewish Ethics (Respondent).

    2019         

    1. A Home Amidst the Elon Oaks. Closing Address for Donning of the Kente Graduation Ceremony. Elon University.
    2. Historical Trauma: Defining and Understanding the Intergenerational Impacts. (Episode 1). Learning, Lifting, Leading: Social Equity for and by Black and Brown Girls & Women Podcast Series. https://blogs.elon.edu/socialequity/2019/02/17/episode-1-historical-trauma-defining-and-understanding-the-intergenerational-impacts/
    3. Squeezing Water out of a Rock: Getting that Small N Published. Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality Conference (Invited talk).

    2018         

    1. “Even Over the Rainbow”: Exploring Intersectional Identities of Emerging Adult Black Gay Men. Guilford College (Invited talk).
    2. The Cost of the Climb. Keynote Address at Annual Black PhD Network Conference.
    3. A Rose that Grew from the Concrete. Closing Address Donning of the Kente Cloth Graduation Celebration. Elon University.
    4. Brother Ali Panel: Race, Faith and Hip Hop. Center for the Study of Religion, Culture and Society, Elon University.

    2017         

    1. Microaggressions and the Pursuit of a Medical Degree. Skin of Color Society (Invited talk).
    2. We Are All Pioneers. Closing Address at the Inaugural Donning of the Kente Cloth Graduation Celebration. Elon University.

    2016         

    1. CAA Pedagogy Summit on Experiential Learning: Equity & Diversity in Experiential Learning. Drexel University (Panel).
    2. Columbus, Tulsa, and Charlotte: What’s Next? Police brutality from an academic perspective. Elon University, Elon, NC (Moderator).
    3. “I Asked for the Papers”: How emerging adult Black women request sexual health information. Featured Feminist Symposium. Annual Association of Women in Psychology Conference.

    2015         

    1. Finding your fairy godmothers. 3rd Annual Cinderella Project. Elon University (Invited talk).

    2014         

    1. “I Asked for the Papers”: How emerging adult Black women request sexual health information. African & African American Studies (AAASE) Author-of-the-month Lunch Series. Elon University (Invited talk).

    2012         

    1. Causes, Implications, and Public Perceptions of Horrific Crimes Faculty Panel. Elon University

    2011         

    1. Why compromise (?): Assessing sexually risky decisions for heterosexual Black American women. University of North Carolina – Greensboro, Department of Psychology Developmental Brown Bag Lunch (Invited talk).

    Professional Activities

    External Appointments:

    2024 -   AURA Selection Committee member, Council for Undergraduate Research

    2022 -   Revising Characteristics of Undergraduate Research Excellence for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group member and author, Council for Undergraduate Research

    2021-    Paradigm Shift + Changemakers Network Working Group, Bringing Theory to Practice

    Editorial Board Member

    Journal of Prevention and Health Promotion

    Sexuality Research and Social Policy

    Journal of Health Psychology

    Ad hoc Reviewer

    Family Relations

    Pediatrics

    Sex Roles

    Complementary Therapies in Medicine

    Journal of Sex Research

    Developmental Psychology

    Journal of Emerging Adulthood

    Journal of Health Psychology

    Journal of Homosexuality

    American Journal of Drug and Alchol Abuse

    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health: Special Issue Edition -- Women and HIV

    Special Guest Editor for Perspectives on Undergraduate Research and Mentorship: The Inclusion of Students from Historically Underrepresented groups in Undergraduate Research

    Service Activities

    *indicates currently serving

    Faculty Coordinator for Poverty Simulations (2014 - 2016) 

    Select Committees and Task Forces

    Chair, Psychology Department Diversity, Inclusion, and Diversity Equity Task Force

    Elon University Strategic Planning  for 2030 Committee

    Search Committee, Assistant Director for the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education (CREDE)

    Search Committee, Program Coordinator for Bringing Theory to Practice

    Nursing Major Task Force

    Elon Affiliate of Universities Studying Slavery Committee (Black Lumen Project) and History and Memory*

    Black Student, Faculty, & Staff Task Force Implementation Committee

    College of Arts and Sciences, Dean's Search Committee

    Social Science Curriculum Committee

    Chair, Developmental Assistant Professor Position Search Committee

    Chair, Clinical/Counseling Assistant Professor Position Search Committee

    Psychology Department Internship Committee

    Psychology Department Curriculum Assessment Committee

    Psychology Department Diversity Committee

    Advisory Boards

    Poverty and Social Justice Minor Advisory Board

    Public Health Studies Advisory Board

    The Elon Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society

    Health Professions Advisory Board

    Non-Profit Leadership Advisory Committee

    First Year Advisory Committee

    Bringing Theory to Practice Board member

    Community Service

    Board of Trustee member, Beth David Synagogue

    Board member, Interactive Resource Center in Greensboro

    MOED, North American Leadership Board, Jewish Federations of North America, Division of Jewish Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

    Professional Development

    Harvard University Division of Continuing Education
    Certificate of Completion, Women in Leadership: Rising Leaders, May 22nd-July 14th, 2023

    Awards

    Wilhelmina Boyd Community Service Award (2023) - Black Student Union

    K. Wilhelmina Boyd Outstanding Service to Students Award (2022) - Elon Black Alumni Network

    Faculty Award for Excellence in Leadership and Service (2020) - Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences

    Faculty Award for Excellence in Mentorship (2018) - Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences

    Center for Engaged Learning Scholar (2018 - 2020) - Elon Unversity

    Academic Service-Learning Fellow (2011-2012) - Elon University

    Loan Repayment Program (LRP) for Health Disparities Research (2010 - 2012) - National Institutes of Health (NIH) – National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD)

    National Research Service Award, T32-DA0 7233-25 (20018 - 2010) - Postdoctoral Fellowship Public Health Solutions at National Development and Research Institutes, Inc. (NDRI) - National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

    Leaska Dissertation Research Award  (2007) - New York University, Steinhardt School Culture, Education, and Human Development

    Ford Foundation Dissertation Diversity Fellowship, Honorable mention & Alternate (2006) - The Ford Foundation

    Monroe Stein Memorial Scholarship (2004)- New York University, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

    Pre Doctoral Fellowship, Honorable Mention (2003) - National Science Foundation (NSF)

    George Wharton Pepper Prize, Nominee (2002) - Lafayette College

    Leroy D. Nunery 77’ Intellectual Citizenship Award (2002) - Lafayette College

    Psi Chi, National Honor Society for Psychology (2001) - American Psychological Association

    United Parcel Service Scholar (2000) - UPS

    EXCEL Scholar (2000) - Lafayette College