A Conversation with Dr. Prerna Arora

In our third edition of the From Roots to Research series, we had the privilege to speak with Dr. Prerna Arora, Associate Professor of Psychology and Education and Director of the School Mental Health for Minoritized Youth and Families (SMILE) Research Lab at Teachers College, whose research has been deeply informed by her dedication to addressing mental health disparities, fostering community-based collaborations, and supporting historically marginalized populations. Dr. Arora’s journey offers invaluable insights into the world of academia and the transformative power of research.

Sumit Karn (Office of the VDR): Dr. Arora, thank you for speaking with us today. Could you share about your background - what inspired you to pursue a career in education, psychology, and research?

Dr. Prerna Arora: I hold a PhD in School Psychology, which is a unique field that combines supporting students’ mental health with promoting their academic success. Initially, I was pre-med during my undergrad and exploring different paths when I realized my passion for psychology and working with children.

After graduation, I taught at a social justice-oriented middle school in Santa Monica, California, for two years. That experience deeply influenced me. I found myself drawn not just to teaching academic content but to working closely with specific students, understanding their needs, and supporting them holistically.

At the time, I wasn’t familiar with school psychology. I was focused on clinical psychology. But when I learned about school psychology, it clicked for me. It combines elements of clinical psychology while also taking into account a child’s broader context - their family, community, and school system. It was exactly what I was looking for.

So, I pursued my PhD in School Psychology, completed my internship at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and later did a postdoc at the University of Maryland. My training gave me a deep understanding of how to support historically marginalized and underserved communities. When I came to New York, I began building my own independent research program. That’s when I started focusing on immigrant and newcomer youth, including their mental health and experiences in schools, because it’s a topic that’s personal to me as the child of Indian immigrants.

Over the past decade, my work has centered on youth mental health, particularly for racial and ethnic minoritized children, immigrant-origin families, and historically marginalized communities. My goal has been to create mental health supports that are more effective and culturally tailored for these populations, especially in school settings.

Sumit Karn (Office of the VDR): That’s such a rich and inspiring journey. Can you share more about your current research projects that you are working on?

Dr. Prerna Arora: Of course! I am currently involved in three main projects.

The first is a Spencer Foundation study that is wrapping up this year. It focuses on newcomer families - children who have immigrated to the United States within the last five years. We have worked with families from Latin America (for example: Mexico, Dominican Republic), China, Bangladesh, and West Africa, as these are some of the largest immigrant populations in the New York City metropolitan area. We have a multilingual staff. Our goal is to identify aspects of school climate - such as teacher-student relationships and the overall environment - that best support these children’s academic success and social-emotional well-being. These kids face unique challenges, from learning a new language to navigating unfamiliar systems, and schools can play a critical role in their adjustment.

The second project is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). It addresses an alarming issue: the median number of mental health sessions attended by children is just one. Many children, particularly racial and ethnic minoritized children - drop out of treatment before they can benefit from it. We have developed a culturally tailored intervention to better engage these youth, particularly those with depression or suicidal ideation, and we’re preparing for a pilot trial. The aim is to refine the intervention, train clinicians, and ultimately help kids stay in treatment longer so they can truly benefit from therapy.

The third initiative is not strictly research, but it is something I am incredibly proud of. We recently received a $4.9 million grant [from the Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education], to train clinicians in delivering culturally-informed, trauma-sensitive services to youth in New York City. This project is about building capacity in the field, diversifying the workforce, and ensuring that clinicians are equipped to meet the needs of historically marginalized communities.

Sumit Karn (Office of the VDR): Thank you for sharing about these important projects. What excites you most about your work and the broader scholarship happening at Teachers College?

Dr. Prerna Arora: Two things come to mind.

First, I love seeing students realize that their passions can become a reality. Over the years, I have had students tell me, “I didn’t know this type of work was possible until I saw what you’re doing.” That resonates deeply with me because I remember being in their shoes. When I was a student, I wanted to focus on immigrant families, particularly Asian immigrant families, but I was discouraged. One professor even told me, “They don’t really have problems, so you should pick something else.” It was dismissive. Today, seeing students find their place and pursue research that reflects their passions and communities is incredibly rewarding.

Second, I am excited by the partnerships we are building with communities. Often, there is a gap between research and practice, and communities can be wary of researchers. But when we establish trust and show that we genuinely care about creating practical, relevant solutions, it is transformative. Those moments - when communities see the value in what we are doing - are what keep me energized and inspired.

Sumit Karn (Officer of the VDR): I would like to take a step back and talk about your personal journey. Were there any formative experiences or individuals who inspired you to become the educator and researcher you are today?

Dr. Prerna Arora: Oh, definitely - many, actually! The first person who comes to mind is my father. He has a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering and worked in the private sector. I think he always wanted to be a professor and a scholar - he was even recruited by some great universities - but he had other responsibilities. He was the eldest of nine and was supporting his family back in India, so he chose the private sector instead. That decision shaped his life, but he always talked about the freedom that education gave him.

He came from a small village in India, and later, when he moved to Canada, he was instrumental in supporting others pursuing graduate studies. Many of them lived in our basement, and I remember these scholars sharing their experiences and expressing gratitude for my father’s support. That environment left a lasting impression on me. It wasn’t about the specific type of scholarship - it was the idea that education could open doors and provide incredible opportunities.

There were moments during my PhD journey when I doubted if I wanted to become a researcher or faculty member. It is a tough path - stressful, lonely, and sometimes demoralizing. But I was fortunate to have mentors. One mentor was particularly encouraging. Amanda Sullivan, now a professor at the University of Minnesota, read my CV, got me on listservs, and gave me the guidance I needed to stay in the field. At the time, I didn’t realize how much I needed that support.

I also participated in programs aimed at fostering communities for scholars of color, like the American Psychological Association Minority Fellowship Program and others. These initiatives connected me with like-minded researchers, and we formed friendships and collaborations. Reflecting on it now, I see how crucial these networks were in helping me navigate challenges and establish my career.

Sumit Karn (Officer of the VDR): It sounds like you have had a strong support system throughout your journey. Were there significant challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Dr. Prerna Arora: Challenges? Plenty. Everyone has their share, right? Financially, I have been fortunate - thanks to great grants and funding. But being a female scholar of color comes with unique hurdles.

The period around George Floyd’s murder was especially hard. There was this wave of calls for change, which was necessary, but not everyone was ready for it. Balancing my role as an educator, supporting my students, and staying true to my personal values while facing resistance was draining. At times, it felt like I was fighting these battles alone.

Even in my field, school psychology, we have grappled with acknowledging our own history. A scholar recently critiqued how the field has historically underserved marginalized children. What she said was factual, but it faced backlash from some who wanted her to apologize. It is frustrating, especially when you see how much students care and how difficult it is for them to navigate these power dynamics.

But I have had incredible support too. Communities of scholars and mentors have been a lifeline.

Sumit Karn (Officer of the VDR): What do you enjoy most about teaching at Teachers College?

Dr. Prerna Arora: Without a doubt, the students and the location. Our students are incredible - so diverse and accomplished. They come from all walks of life and bring such rich perspectives. It is inspiring to work with them.

And then there’s New York City. The city itself attracts amazing talent and offers unparalleled opportunities for community-based work. The connections we have built with local organizations make it easier to collaborate and create meaningful partnerships. It is such a vibrant and dynamic environment to be in.

Sumit Karn (Officer of the VDR): What advice would you give to new faculty members and students, particularly regarding research?

Dr. Prerna Arora: For students, I would say pursue what truly excites you. Learn from everyone, even if their focus doesn’t align with yours - you never know what insights you might gain. But also make space for your own passions. If you can’t dive into your dream research right away, build the skills and networks you’ll need to pursue it later.

For younger faculty, building a community is essential. So much about research - the day-to-day nuances - isn’t taught in grad school. How do you mentor students? How do you manage lab meetings? These things aren’t in workshops or textbooks.

Seek out mentors - both within your institution and beyond. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you think you should already know the answers. That informal learning from experienced colleagues can make a huge difference.

Sumit Karn (Officer of the VDR): What about life outside academia? Any hobbies or fun facts you’d like to share with the broader TC community?

Dr. Prerna Arora: I have developed a few hobbies over the years. After I got tenure, I took up running and started participating in half-marathons. I also love live music - I have been a big fan of Post Malone and have been to ten of his concerts in the last year or so. 

I have a seven-year-old son, so a lot of my time outside work is spent with him. This summer, we traveled to Iceland, - it was an amazing experience. Generally, we try to travel as much as possible together.

In terms of a fun fact - I have met Post Malone three times. 

Sumit Karn (Officer of the VDR): That’s wonderful! Lastly, what are you currently reading or listening to?

Dr. Prerna Arora: Music-wise, I have been listening to Leon Bridges a lot. I recently saw him live - his mix of 60s soul and R&B is so unique.

As for reading, I just finished The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. It’s the 10th-anniversary edition, and it’s such a powerful exploration of the criminal justice system and its consequences. It’s given me a lot to think about.

Sumit Karn (Officer of the VDR): Thank you so much, Dr. Arora, for taking the time to share your journey, insights, and advice with us. It has been incredibly inspiring to hear about your experiences and the passion you bring to your work, both inside and outside of academia.

Dr. Prerna Arora: Thank you, Sumit. It was a pleasure!