Nelson O. O. Zounlomè, Ph.D.
About Me
Nelson O. O. Zounlomè, Ph.D., is the Founder, CEO, and a mental health & academic thrive consultant through Liberate The Block, LLC (https://liberatetheblock.com/) ~ an agency dedicated to helping Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities liberate themselves and achieve their wildest dreams. Dr. Z. is also a first-generation college graduate, child of immigrants, and a published author. He is a former McNair Scholar, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, & Medicine-Ford Foundation Fellow, Herman B. Wells Graduate Fellow, International Counseling Psychologist, and former Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Z.'s research program focuses on examining the impact of intersectional oppression on historically excluded groups & creating culturally relevant interventions to enhance their well-being. Within this framework, he studies academic persistence and mental wellness to promote holistic healing among BIPOC. He earned Bachelor's degrees in Psychology & Sociology, a Master's degree in Learning Science-Educational Psychology Track, and is a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Indiana University. In addition to work, Dr. Z. loves reading, discovering new music/art, outdoor activities, time with friends and family, and living a holistically full life.
Education
Indiana University | Bloomington, IN
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology, APA-Accredited
Indiana University- 2021
Master of Education in Learning Sciences-Educational Psychology Track
Indiana University-2018
Bachelor of Arts
Psychology with Honors -Major-2015
Sociology -Major-2015
Political Science- Minor - 2015
Indiana University
Research
Examining the impact of intersectional oppression on historically excluded groups & creating culturally relevant interventions to enhance their well-being
Selected Refereed Journal Articles (17 Total)
Refereed Book Chapters & Other Media Outputs
Cheng, J., Klann, E. M., Zounlome, N. O. O., & Chung, Y. B. (2017). Promoting affirmative career development and work environment for LGBT individuals. In J. G. Maree (Ed.), Psychology of career adaptability, employability and resilience. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer.
Selected Refereed Presentations (42 Total)
Teaching & Mentoring
Pedagogical Approach
Guided by an intersectional feminist approach, I believe students learn best by being challenged to engage in self-reflection and discussing conflicting perspectives and debates within a field. By thinking about their own views, learning about others’ perceptions, and having to talk them over, students can learn to think critically while also being able to apply course material to their own lives. Through this process, students can evaluate information based on their intersecting identities, come up with their own opinions, and in turn, better retain and apply course content in a practical manner. Furthermore, in each class I teach, I intentionally infuse social justice material, such as the psychology of oppression and intersectionality, to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand their own salient identities and that of others. This pedagogical approach allows students to effectively work with, as well as conduct multiculturally grounded and ethical research/clinical work among, diverse populations. Additionally, I work to create a culturally humble classroom environment for all students to augment learning outcomes, personal growth, and professional development.
Mentoring Style
I find mentoring to be immensely rewarding as it is in line with my life’s mission of guiding students to achieve academic success. I consistently work to create a collaborative and supportive atmosphere in which I meet with my mentees regularly to check in on individual progress, collaborative projects, and engage in professional development (e.g., teaching research skills and discussing journal articles to bolster content knowledge). Taking an intersectional feminist approach, I continually make an effort to learn about my mentees as individuals in the context of their intersecting identities, actively initiate conversations in which I openly reflect upon how my own identities relate to theirs and check in with them to see if their specific needs are being met. This also involves an explication of power differentials between us. Additionally, I use a tailored mentoring style by prioritizing mentees’ personal and professional goals and adjusting to fit their needs. My goal for my mentees/advisees is that they excel holistically, not just academically. In this, I help students to identify their own goals and support them in achieving them. I am extremely proud to have helped train so many students and that several of the undergraduate students I have mentored over the years have gone on to graduate school at the master's and doctoral levels. These students have also co-authored presentations at national conferences and published research articles with me.
Courses
Instructor | January 2022-May 2022
“EDP-665: Post-Masters Practicum in Counseling Psychology” -a doctoral-level clinical practicum course.
Counseling Psychology Program, University of Kentucky
Instructor | January 2022-May 2022
“EDP-664: Pre-Masters Practicum in Counseling Psychology” -a master's-level clinical practicum course.
Counseling Psychology Program, University of Kentucky
Instructor | August 2021-December 2021
“EDP-606: Professional Issues in Counseling Psychology” -a graduate-level professional identity and development course.
Counseling Psychology Program, University of Kentucky
Teaching Assistant | January 2020-May 2020
“EDUC-G685: Seminar in Counseling Research Methodology” -a doctoral-level research methods course under Dr. Zoe Peterson.
Counseling Psychology Program, Indiana University
Co-Instructor | August 2018-November 2018
“EDUC-G523: Laboratory Counseling and Guidance” -a graduate-level clinical skills foundational course alongside Dr. Kerrie G. Wilkins-Yel.
Counseling Psychology Program, Indiana University
Guest Lecturer | April 2018
“SPH H350: Topical Seminar on Sexual Exploitation” -an undergraduate course on sexual exploitation, harassment, and assault taught by Dr. Debra Herbenick.
School of Public Health, Indiana University
Associate Instructor | August 2016-May 2017
Taught eight sections of "EDUC-X 150: Becoming the Best Student" -an undergraduate course for low-performing and students on academic probation.
Student Academic Center, Indiana University
GRE Instructor | May 2016-July 2017
Designed all materials and taught an 8-week summer session.
McNair's Scholars Program, Indiana University
Clinical Work
I completed my predoctoral internship at the University of Maryland-College Park Counseling Center (July 2020-June 2021). My clinical work focuses on college/graduate populations, especially mental health and academic persistence among BIPOC students, themed BIPOC therapy groups, and career counseling. I take an intersectional feminist approach when working with clients while also integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and an interpersonal approach.
Selected Honors & Awards
My efforts have been supported by over 50 grants, fellowships, and awards at the campus, regional, and national levels with over $250,000 in funds awarded.
Student of the Year Award
APA Division 51: Society for the Psychological Study of Men & Masculinities | September 2020
Outstanding TCP Student Paper Award
For the top article published in The Counseling Psychologist in 2015-2019 whose first author was a graduate student
Zounlome, N.O. O., Wong, Y. J., David, J., Klann, E. M., & Stephens, N. (2019). ‘No one comes to save the Black girls…’: Black university women’s understanding of sexual violence. The Counseling Psychologist, 47, 873-908. doi:10.1177/0011000019893654
The Counseling Psychologist & Sage Publishing | August 2020
Outstanding Graduate Student Award
This award recognizes excellence in scholarship and professional development among counseling psychology graduate students throughout the country
Council of Counseling Psychology Training Programs (CCPTP) | June 2020
Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship
For a demonstrated commitment to improving the conditions of people from marginalized communities
American Psychological Foundation/Council of Graduate Departments of Psychology | March 2020
Herman B. Wells Graduate Fellowship
For demonstrating leadership abilities, academic excellence, character, social consciousness, and generosity of spirit.
University Graduate School | Indiana University | February 2020
Achasa Beechler Dissertation Proposal Fellowship
School of Education | Indiana University | February 2020
APA Division 45 Student Research Grant
Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race | December 2019
Graduate Student Research Award
Center for Research on Race and Ethnicity in Society | Indiana University | November 2019
Research Grant
Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology | Indiana University| November 2019
Graduate Student Research Scholarship
American Psychological Foundation/Council of Graduate Departments of Psychology | October 2019
Scholarship for Education Research
University of Michigan Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research | May 2019
Student Research Award
Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology | Indiana University | April 2019
Leading the Way Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Award
For outstanding leadership and service to promote campus diversity and inclusion efforts | School of Education | Indiana University | February 2019
https://education.indiana.edu/news-events/_news/2019/jan-jun/2019-04-03-BGSA-gala.html
Prevention & Promotion Award
Student Affiliates of APA Division 17 | Indiana University | June 2019
Student Abstract Competition: Diversity Award
Indiana Psychological Association | November 2018
Student Abstract Competition: 2nd Place
Indiana Psychological Association | November 2018
Outstanding Division Award- Div. 45 Study of Culture, Ethnicity & Race
American Psychological Association of Graduate Students| August 2018
Paul F. Munger Program Leadership & Service Award
Indiana University Counseling Psychology Program | April 2018
Research Grant
Indiana University Graduate and Professional Student Government | April 2018
SREB Scholar Fellowship
Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) State Doctoral Scholars Program | August 2017
Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, & Medicine| Indiana University | April 2017
Ronald E. McNair Graduate Fellowship
Indiana University | March 2015
Excellence in Research Award
Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences | Indiana University, April 2015
Thesis Award
Hutton Honors College | Indiana University | March 2014
BIPOC RESOURCES
Click the icons below to find resources for BIPOC communities
This workbook is specifically designed with culturally relevant advice and evidence-based exercises to help students of color thrive.
This page is dedicated to providing resources for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to help them grow and thrive holistically. This page is updated periodically.
This is a 2-week course designed to help students take ownership of their graduate education; thrive in school; save time and money; and launch a meaningful and lucrative career. Follow this link for a free course preview (4 videos total).
Contact Me
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© 2016