Emil Beckford is a PhD student in the counseling psychology program in the Department of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology and a Presidential Fellow. He received a BS in psychology from Yale in May 2020. Emil's research interests include understanding how marginalized identity status (e.g., race, sexual orientation) impacts mental health and how protective factors (e.g., community belongingness) can mitigate adverse mental health outcomes. After graduation, he plans to become a licensed counseling psychologist and conduct therapy and assessments with minoritized individuals. Outside of his studies, Emil enjoys singing and writing songs, playing kickball and spending time with friends.