Richardson Joseph is a rising senior at Cornell University, pursuing a dual degree in Biological Sciences and Psychology. As the son of immigrant parents, he developed a strong interest in neuroscience and public health advocacy. Observing the cultural stigma surrounding mental health in his own community and beyond, he became aware of how often mental well-being is neglected or silenced. These experiences sparked his commitment to community-centered research that explores the brain–behavior connection while promoting accessible, culturally responsive mental health care.
This summer, Richardson worked under the supervision of Dr. Kirsty Sievwright to begin a scoping review on youth community advisory boards (CABs) in low- and middle-income countries and their implications for mental health. His responsibilities included developing and refining search terms, conducting literature searches, and helping define inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study. He also contributed to editing Dr. Sievwright’s research on youth suicidality, which he found particularly meaningful. Outside of his individual work, Richardson participated in weekly seminars with fellow interns, where they presented and analyzed relevant literature on global mental health topics.
Richardson is truly grateful for the opportunity to engage in impactful research with real-world relevance. The experience strengthened his analytical skills, deepened his understanding of global mental health challenges, and solidified his passion for bridging neuroscience, psychology, and public health.