Nathan Smith is a second-year Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology student and Black Student Association executive board member at Fielding Graduate University. Nathan’s research interests include exposure to community violence, black masculinity identity development, and complex trauma through qualitative inquiry. Additionally, Nathan is an active Fielding Graduate University Qualitative research lab student, receiving didactics and researching graduate experiences living during the pandemic and other projects. Recently, Nathan presented group research at several professional conferences, including Division 39 of the American Psychological Association, the International Organization of Social Sciences and Behavioral Research, and the International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry. Furthermore, Nathan’s doctoral clinical training is psychoanalytically grounded, with an appreciation for cognitive-behavioral and humanistic approaches. Nathan’s research and clinical interests focus on culturally sensitive and social justice-related issues directly impacting ethnic minorities, specifically men of the African diaspora. Thus, Nathan’s qualitative dissertation will explore The Lived Experiences of African American Males Exposed to Community Violence. 

Nathan was born and raised in Northeastern Connecticut as the youngest of three siblings raised by two loving parents. Nathan’s parents took pride in the African American culture and encouraged creative thinking in a safe and supportive household. Specifically, Nathan’s father introduced him to the arts, including drawing, painting, photography, pottery, and various musical instruments. Furthermore, Nathan’s family supported his learning aspirations through enrollment in African American youth book clubs, talented and gifted programs, student council positions, and peer mentorship programs during my elementary and middle school years. 

Nathan received his high school diploma from a Connecticut Business and Sciences Magnet school in 2008 and obtained an Associate of Science degree from Gateway Community College in 2012. In 2014, Nathan received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Psychology from Albertus Magnus College and a Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University in 2018. Additionally, in 2019, Nathan earned an Addiction Counseling Certificate from Albertus Magnus College’s Post Graduate Studies Program. In 2020, Nathan secured independent licensure as a clinical social worker, alcohol and drug counselor, and a clinical trauma professional certification. 

Nathan has over 13 years of mental health and substance abuse experience. As the Senior Director of Clinical Services, Nathan oversaw all clinical and case management services for two young adult transitional programs, a young adult community support program and an adult mental health waiver program. Presently, Nathan works as a psychiatric emergency services clinician, a clinical supervisor, undergraduate psychology and human services adjunct professor, and a research assistant. Further, Nathan completed his first 2021/2022 clinical practicum at Yale University’s Connecticut Mental Health Center and will be completing his second 2022/2023 practicum training at Yale University’s Substance Abuse Treatment Unit.