This week we caught up with Raheem Jessop, a second year PhD student in the Department of Education with a concentration on Culture and Development. His research looks at college decision-making among African American high school students and analyzes the factors that make them choose between a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) and a Historically Black College or University. Raheem graduated from Morehouse College in 2017 and he uses his experience of Black education to pursue his passion and ensure Black students receive the best education and experience a school has to offer.
GGSE: What made you choose to do your PhD work at UCSB?
Jessop: My advisor Dr. Richard Duran shared and believed in my vision to create a welcoming environment for Black Students and other students of color. It is also nice to relieve stress by relaxing on the beaches nearby.
GGSE: Tell us about your research about HBCUs.
Jessop: My research explores the UC-HBCU initiative to create more opportunities for black students to receive their PhDs, not only in the UC system but also nationwide. HBCUs offer a welcoming environment for their students and I would like to incorporate aspects from there and apply it to Predominantly White Institutions.
GGSE: What do you picture yourself doing 10 years from now?
Jessop: Ten years from now I would love to continue traveling and teaching while doing that. I want to explore the world and eat amazing food everywhere I go.
GGSE: And if you have free time now, how do you relax?
Jessop: I would meditate, eat, sleep (if permitted), and chill and write at the beach.