Kim Nickerson

Dr. Kim Nickerson joined the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences in August of 2006 as an assistant dean and the director of the college’s diversity initiative. Before joining the University of Maryland, Dr. Nickerson was director of the American Psychological Association’s Minority Fellowship Program (MFP). Dr. Nickerson has more than 12 years of experience consulting with federal agencies and universities regarding diversity and increasing the presence of underrepresented ethnic minorities in science.

Dr. Nickerson’s research interests include the general field of health disparities and the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genomics – especially as they relate to ethnic minority communities. He has served (1999 – 2004) on the National Advisory Council for the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and also as a member of the NHGRI ELSI Research Advisors Group. His research has also focused on race, ethnic, and cultural factors related to health and mental health and the use and effectiveness health and mental health services for ethnic minorities.

Dr. Nickerson received his doctoral degree in psychology (clinical) from the University of North Texas (1992). He completed his clinical internship from the Medical College of Virginia (1991-92) and his post-doctoral training in clinical-community psychology at the University of Maryland – College Park (1992-94). Dr. Nickerson also held an appointment as an assistant professor in the Department of Mental Hygiene at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (1994-98). Dr. Nickerson also holds a secondary appointment as an assistant dean for diversity for the College of Health and Human Performance.


Academic Disciplines:
Psychology & Behavioral Sciences