Seanna Leath

Seanna Leath, Assistant Professor of Psychological & Brain Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, is affiliated with the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program. Her research focuses on intersectional systems of oppression (e.g., racism, sexism, classism, ableism) and their impact on Black women and girls’ health, resilience, and developmental trajectories. She utilizes Black feminist epistemologies and interdisciplinary methods in psychology and education to explore topics like racial grief, sociopolitical activism, and academic performance in predominantly White institutions (PWIs).

Leath holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a B.A. from Pomona College. She leads the FHIRe Collaborative, a research team emphasizing community partnerships to improve Black women and girls’ wellbeing through developmental science. Recent work includes examining racialized violence’s effects on Black mothers, the role of religious/spiritual coping mechanisms, and intergenerational resilience in mother-daughter relationships.

She received the Here & Next Spark Funding Award (2024) and has contributed to grants exploring racial socialization competencies and youth outcomes. Her research bridges academia and community action, advocating for spaces that prioritize Black girls’ psychological safety and combat anti-Blackness in educational settings. Key themes include the Superwoman Schema, racial bias awareness, and culturally relevant pedagogical strategies.