Dr. Dhymsy Z. Vixamar-Owens, a Health Psychologist and Program Coordinator at UDC, specializes in community health, intervention development, and teaching methodologies, with a strong focus on health equity, marginalized populations, and improving teaching and learning in higher education.
Experience
Education
Doctorate of Philosophy in Health Psychology in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Virginia State University Master of Science in Psychology, Virginia State University Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Spanish Minor, Summa Cum Laude, Virginia State University
Roles
Advisor/Co-Advisor, Psi Chi International Honor Society, UDC Chapter, 2019-24 CAS Representative, University of the District of Columbia Internal Research Council, 2023-Present Program Coordinator, UDC Psychology Program, 2022-24
Courses Taught
Statistics/Quantitative Methods in Psychology Critical Skills Development in Psychology (Writing intensive) Health Psychology Community Psychology General/Introductory Psychology Social Psychology Experimental Psychology/Research Methods Educational Tests & Measurements Psychology of Relationships Problems in Psychology
Expertise
Undergraduate research development & supervision Intervention development & evaluation Research specialist (project development, coordination & assessment)
Research Focus / Works in Progress
Community health psychological and behavioral processes in health and well-being from a socio-cultural and community context; health promotion and risk prevention in minority populations; intervention and community outreach; the importance of acculturation, assimilation, and cultural identity to health and well-being; securing health equity and eradicating health disparities; teaching and learning: active construction of knowledge, connected learning experiences, and effective teaching methods; women in academia; developing and delivering enriching learning experiences; fostering supportive learning and working environments; improving the quality of teaching and learning in higher education, particularly for marginalized populations
Leadership
Visiting Researcher, Center for the Advancement of STEM Leadership, 2021-24 Fellow, American Association of University Women, 2021-22
Impact
Recognitions
Teacher of Promise, College of Arts & Sciences, University of the District of Columbia, 2021 Toppins-Dubois Award for Research Excellence, Virginia State University, 2021
Invited Participations
Vixamar-Owens, D. (2024). Expertise in mixed-methods program assessment. Program Accreditation Self-Study. Vixamar-Owens, D. (2024). Expertise in mixed-methods program assessment. External Program Audit. Vixamar-Owens, D. (2023).Moderator. STEM Leadership’s 2023 Convening, St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Vixamar-Owens, D. (2023). Brain Awareness Week Forum, Orangeburg, South Carolina. Vixamar-Owens, D. (2021). Keynote speaker. Professional Development Training for the University of the Virgin Islands. St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
