Samuel Skidmore

Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services

Psychology Department

Samuel Skidmore M.S. is a fifth-year doctoral student in the Combined Clinical/Counseling Psychology program at Utah State University. He is a dedicated researcher and advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals’ mental health and well-being. His research interests center on understanding the intersection of religious, sexual, and gender identities, and uncovering the necessary components for LGBTQ+ individuals to flourish. He is particularly interested in elucidating the importance of community belongingness and resilience as a means to combat minority stressors. Beyond academia, Samuel’s research has direct implications for clinical work and informing policies, communities, and systems. Across his 21 publications, Samuel has participated in 18 academic presentations nationally. Further, he has helped develop material based off his research findings to provide support and understanding for USU campus directly, as well as with local LGBTQ+ organizations such as Encircle and Cache Valley Pride Center. Samuel believes that engaging in diversity-oriented research and associated outreach efforts is a vital and potent form of advocating for social justice, and looks forward to a long and productive career geared toward improving the well-being of diverse LGBTQ+ populations.