Daria Ellis, Ph.D.

She/Her/Hers

Assistant Professor, Coordinator for the Pre-Medicine Psychology Track

daria.ellis@hamptonu.edu
(757) 637-2314
LinkedIn

About

Dr. Ellis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Hampton University, where she also serves as Coordinator of the Pre-Medicine Psychology Track. In this role, she teaches courses in statistics, research methods, and survey design, equipping students with critical skills in data analysis and scientific reasoning. Her teaching emphasizes both rigor and accessibility, preparing students to succeed in graduate and professional studies. As coordinator, she advises psychology majors pursuing medical and health-related careers, helping them integrate psychological knowledge with biomedical training while ensuring they are well-prepared for medical school prerequisites. Her research and professional contributions focus on psychometrics, program evaluation, quantitative research methods, and medical education. She has published in peer-reviewed journals, authored technical reports for national organizations, and presented at international conferences on medical and health professions education. She is also deeply committed to mentoring students, fostering inclusive learning environments, and expanding opportunities for underrepresented groups in higher education and the health sciences. Through teaching, research, and service, Dr. Ellis advances Hampton University’s mission to prepare students for leadership, service, and impact in their chosen fields.

Education

Tuskegee University, B.S. Psychology (Magna Cum Laude)
University of North Carolina-Greensboro, M.Ed. Educational Research Methodology
University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Ph.D. Educational Research Methodology and Statistics

Courses Taught

Introduction and Advanced Statistics
Research Methods
Survey Design
Social Psychology

Areas of Expertise

Higher education teaching & mentorship
Educational research methodology & statistics
Quantitative research methods & survey design
Program evaluation & data analytics
Psychometrics, assessment, and test development
Medical and health professions education
Diversity, equity, and inclusion in education
Strategic planning & academic program coordination

Research Interests

Higher Education Teaching & Mentorship
Educational Research Methodology & Statistics
Quantitative Research Methods & Survey Design
Program Evaluation & Data Analytics
Psychometrics and Test Development
Medical and Health Professions Education
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Student Success and Resilience
Decolonizing Death and Traditional African Americans Memorialization Rituals

Decolonizing Death Lab

“Decolonizing Death & Data” research lab involves embracing and celebrating cultural diversity surrounding death, reframing the psychological relationship with grief, and promoting healing and resilience while preserving cultural heritage. As an experienced and trained Death Doula, I bring both personal expertise and cultural sensitivity to this work. The Research Lab aims to advance psychological knowledge of diverse cultural practices surrounding death, while also empowering psychology students with valuable research experience, data analysis, critical thinking skills, and a deep understanding of end-of-life experiences within the African American community.

Open to all HU students.

Publications

Artemiou E., Hutchison P, Machado M., Ellis D, Bradtke J., Pereira M, Carter J, & Bergfelt D. (2021). Impact of Human–Animal Interactions on Psychological and Physiological Factors Associated With Veterinary School Students and Donkeys. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8.

Personal Accomplishments

Dattathreya, P, Hall, M & Ellis. D. (2025). The 7Ps Framework: A Conceptual and Psychometric Tool for Promoting Lifelong Learning Skills in Medical Students. Paper presented at the 2025 International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE).
Presented Developing an Inventory to Assess the Use of Metacognitive Learning Strategies at the Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE) Conference (2021).
Co-presented Relationship between 7Ps Inventory Responses and Student Performance at The Generalists in Medical Education Conference (2021).
Presented Rapid Transition to Tele-OSCE Assessment due to COVID: Can Clinical Skills be Validly Assessed Using Video Conferencing at the International Meeting on Simulation in Healthcare (2021).
Presented Investigating Students’ Academic Success through Program Evaluation at the RUSM Leadership Conference (2018).
Poster Presentation: Defining Resiliency Across the Medical School Continuum: A Medical Student Perspective at the AAMC Health Workforce Research Conference (2017).
Member of multiple curriculum, assessment, and research committees at Ross University School of Medicine, including the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force and Continuous Quality Leadership Committee.
Certifications & Professional Development
Certified in Unconscious Bias in Medicine (Stanford Medicine, 2020).
Biomedical Research, CITI Program Certification.
Florida State Board of Education Certification in Social Science, Grades 6–12 (2023).

Professional Affiliations

American Educational Research Association (AERA) – Measurement and Research Methodology, Division D (since 2002)
American Educational Research Association (AERA) – Teaching and Teacher Education, Division K (since 2002)
National Council on Measurement in Education (since 2002)
American Evaluation Association (since 2018)
International Association of Medical Science Educators
Association of Black Psychologists

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