Shaheed Abraham

Background

About Shaheed Abraham

I am a senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst pursuing a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Arabic and a certificate in Social Work. My academic and professional interests focus on trauma, mental health, and working with individuals experiencing psychological disorders, particularly within diverse and underserved communities.As an undergraduate Research Assistant in the Violence & Trauma Across the Lifespan (ViTAL) Lab at UMass Amherst, I contribute to research examining the effects of domestic violence and traumatic stress on the well-being of both adults and children from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Through this work, I have gained experience in psychological research methods while exploring how trauma can impact development, mental health, and resilience across the lifespan.Alongside my research, I work directly with community members through my role at the Amherst Survival Center, where I support individuals experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, and economic hardship. I have also served as a Crisis Counselor with Crisis Text Line and as a Teaching Assistant for Adult Psychopathology at UMass Amherst. These experiences have strengthened my skills in communication, crisis support, and working with individuals facing complex mental health challenges.Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and work in the field of mental health, with a focus on supporting individuals with mental health disorders through culturally informed and community-centered care.