Kelly W. Ngigi, M.S., PhD Candidate
Developmental Research Scientist
Psychological Health & Daily Affect
About Me
Professional Storytelling
I am a Ph.D. candidate in Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State University, studying how mood, relationships, and context shape adolescent well-being in Black families.
My research explores both universal and culturally specific influences on psychological development, with a focus on strengthening protective factors. By examining affective dynamics in parent-adolescent relationships, identifying unique strengths and risks, and considering broader ecological contexts, I aim to advance a culturally informed understanding of adolescent development that supports youth and families.
Skills
Education
The Pennsylvania State University 2022-present
Ph.D Human Development and Family Studies
Advisor: Gregory M. Fosco, Ph.D.
The Pennsylvania State University 2020-2022
M.S. Human Development and Family Studies
Thesis Advisors: Sunhye Bai, Ph.D. & Gregory M. Fosco, Ph.D.
Washington State University 2017-2020
B.S. Psychology, minor in Human Development and Family Studies
Washington State University 2017-2020
B.S. Psychology, minor in Human Development and Family Studies
Highline College
A.A. Psychology
Areas of expertise
Adolescent Development
Studying adolescent growth with a focus on cultural influences and protective factors.
Daily Affect
Examining mood changes and their impact on well-being.
Dyadic Relationships
Analyzing parent-adolescent interactions and dynamics.
Intensive Longitudinal Methods
Using data tracking to study behavioral changes over time.
Quantitative Data Analysis
Applying statistical methods to interpret research data.
Media & Speaking Engagements
@getwellby.kellz
Translational Science and Social Media Content (2021-current)
Mental Health Webinar Series
A psychoeducational presentation and facilitated discussion on mental health for AfriThrive Inc. and the African Diaspora in the USA. Co-presenters: J. Robina Onwongo PhD & Juliet Nyanamba PhD (2024)
Series Topics
-
- Mental Health for Young Professionals (June 2024)
- My Culture, My Mental Health: The Cross Cultrual Experience (Aug. 2024)
- Community Conversations on Mental Health (September 2024)
A Community Conversation on Mental Health
A psychoeducational presentation and facilitated discussion on mental health in Kenyan-immigrant community in the US for the Kenyan Diaspora Association of Florida (2023)
Predicting Parent-Adolescent Relationship Quality
Testing Connectedness Lability and Parent Empathy. Paper symposium presentation at the Society for Research on Adolescence, Chicago, Illinois. Ngigi, K. W., Fosco, G. M. (April 2024)
Parental aggravation, daily demands, and emotional support associated with worse mental health among mothers in the United States
Flash talk presentation at the Society for Research in Child Development, Salt Lake City, Utah. Ngigi, K. W., Bai, S., Santos, A. R. (April 2023)
The role of parental empathy in parent-adolescent relationship quality
Poster presentation at the Society for Research on Adolescence in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ngigi, K. W., Bai, S., Fosco, G. M. (March 2022)
Invited Guest Lecturer. Course: Adolescent Development
The Pennsylvania State University. (February 2022)
Invited Guest Lecturer. Course: Ronald E. McNair Scholars Seminar: Preparation for Graduate School
Washington State University. (September 2021)
Impact of help-seeking attitudes and perceived social support on college psychological service utilization
Poster presentation at Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. Ngigi, K. W., Cleveland, M. (April 2020)
Culturally relevant communication strategies to shift health beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes
Poster presentation at Undergraduate Public Health Scholars Program at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA. Ngigi, K. W. (August 2019)
Research projects
B-Well Fam: Black youths’ well-being through everyday life and learning from families
The Pennsylvania State University. Advisor: Gregory M. Fosco, PhD. (November 2023 –Present)
Family Feedback Snapshot
Designed and piloted a supplemental project as an extension to the Fam Best: Families Being Supportive Together (R21; PA-21-235) Investigators: Sunhye Bai, PhD & Timothy Brick, PhD (Fall 2022-Spring 2023)
Fam Best: Families Being Supportive Together
(R21; PA-21-235) Principal Investigators: Sunhye Bai, PhD & Timothy Brick, PhD (Spring 2021-Spring 2023)
Culturally Relevant Communication Strategies to Shift Health Beliefs, Behaviors and Attitudes
CDC John R. Lewis Undergraduate Public Health Scholars (CUPS) Program, Washington D.C. & Atlanta, GA. (Summer 2019)
Words Matter: Mental Health Toolkit
The National Black Justice Coalition. Washington, D.C. Advisors: Alexandria Glaize & David J. Johns, PhD. (Summer 2019)
Impact of College Students Help Seeking Attitudes and Perceived Social Support on College Psychological Service Utilization
Washington State University Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program. Advisor: Michael J. Cleveland, PhD. (2018-2020)
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Jones, A.A., Strong-Jones, S., Bishop, R., Brant, K., Owczarzak, J., Ngigi, K. W., Latkin, C. (2023) The impact of family systems and social networks on substance use initiation and recovery among women with substance use disorders.
Social Media
Calendly link
Contact Info
My Services
Consulting & Services
Research Consulting
Providing expert guidance on adolescent development, family dynamics, and psychological well-being, using data-driven insights to inform research and policy decisions.
Speaking Engagements & Workshops
Delivering engaging talks and interactive sessions on psychological health, adolescent well-being, and family relationships, tailored for academic, professional, and community audiences.
Academic Writing & Grant Support
Assisting with research publications, grant proposals, and scholarly writing by offering structured guidance, editing, and data interpretation for impactful submissions.
Speaking & Media
past speaking engagements
@getwellby.kellz
Translational Science and Social Media Content (2021-current)
Mental Health Webinar Series
A psychoeducational presentation and facilitated discussion on mental health for AfriThrive Inc. and the African Diaspora in the USA. Co-presenters: J. Robina Onwongo PhD & Juliet Nyanamba PhD (2024)
Series Topics
-
- Mental Health for Young Professionals (June 2024)
- My Culture, My Mental Health: The Cross Cultrual Experience (Aug. 2024)
- Community Conversations on Mental Health (September 2024)
A Community Conversation on Mental Health
A psychoeducational presentation and facilitated discussion on mental health in Kenyan-immigrant community in the US for the Kenyan Diaspora Association of Florida (2023)
Predicting Parent-Adolescent Relationship Quality
Testing Connectedness Lability and Parent Empathy. Paper symposium presentation at the Society for Research on Adolescence, Chicago, Illinois. Ngigi, K. W., Fosco, G. M. (April 2024)
Parental aggravation, daily demands, and emotional support associated with worse mental health among mothers in the United States
Flash talk presentation at the Society for Research in Child Development, Salt Lake City, Utah. Ngigi, K. W., Bai, S., Santos, A. R. (April 2023)
The role of parental empathy in parent-adolescent relationship quality
Poster presentation at the Society for Research on Adolescence in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ngigi, K. W., Bai, S., Fosco, G. M. (March 2022)
Invited Guest Lecturer. Course: Adolescent Development
The Pennsylvania State University. (February 2022)
Invited Guest Lecturer. Course: Ronald E. McNair Scholars Seminar: Preparation for Graduate School
Washington State University. (September 2021)
Impact of help-seeking attitudes and perceived social support on college psychological service utilization
Poster presentation at Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. Ngigi, K. W., Cleveland, M. (April 2020)
Culturally relevant communication strategies to shift health beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes
Poster presentation at Undergraduate Public Health Scholars Program at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA. Ngigi, K. W. (August 2019)
upcoming speaking engagements
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