Sheretta T. Butler-Barnes

Sheretta T. Butler-Barnes is a Professor at the Washington University in St. Louis Brown School of Social Work, with affiliations in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. A developmental psychologist, she investigates racism's impact on educational and health outcomes for Black American families using culturally grounded, strength-based frameworks.

• PhD and MA in Psychology, Wayne State University
• BS in Psychology, Michigan State University

Her research focuses on:

• Black Families and Racial Justice Project: Mixed-methods study of parenting practices and adolescent outcomes under marginalization
• Equity for Black Women and Girls Project: Culturally responsive programming to advance equity in learning spaces

Recent publications (2022-2025) examine racial violence, school climate, STEM equity, and intergenerational trauma. Key trends include racial socialization, intersectional discrimination, and biopsychosocial resilience mechanisms.

Scientific Awards:

• Dean’s Distinguished Professorial Scholar
• NSF Grant: $697,914 for racial violence family study
• Washington University Research Seed Grant ($37,500)

As founder of the Black Families, Racism, and Resilience (BFRR) Lab, she partners with St. Louis communities to combat systemic inequities. She also co-chaired AERA's Differences & Intersectionalities section and served on SRA's Anti-Racism Task Force.