Dr. Beauty

Beauty, people, and performance in a racialized world.

Black and white portrait of a woman with straight hair, smiling softly, wearing earrings and a necklace. Dr. Tamiah Brevard-Rodriguez aka Dr. Beauty

Dr. Tamiah Brevard-Rodriguez, widely known as Dr. Beauty, is a higher-education leader and scholar whose work examines beauty performativity, racialized identity, and the lived experiences of Black girls and women navigating academic and institutional spaces. Her scholarship explores how beauty functions simultaneously as access, constraint, protection, and wellness within systems of power.

With more than 15 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Brevard-Rodriguez currently serves as Director of the Aresty Research Center for Undergraduates at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, where she leads one of New Jersey’s largest undergraduate research ecosystems. Her work focuses on building equitable research pipelines, strengthening institutional outcomes, and expanding access to high-impact academic opportunities for first-generation and underrepresented students.

Dr. Beauty’s scholarship is grounded in narrative inquiry, community care, and institutional critique. Her doctoral research, The Beauty Performance of Black College Women, examines beauty as identity work, resistance, and leadership practice. Across research, administration, and public scholarship, she is committed to redefining belonging, leadership, and care within higher education.

professional Services

Black and white photo of a smiling woman with long wavy hair, wearing a sweatshirt with the word 'Rutgers' on it. Dr. Beauty

Explore Dr. Beauty’s range of services designed to help you move forward with confidence, wherever you're headed next.

  • Original qualitative research exploring how beauty standards are learned, performed, and weaponized within academic and professional institutions.

  • Keynotes, panels, and academic talks on beauty, identity, representation, and structural inequity — tailored for universities, conferences, and cultural institutions.

  • Advising brands, organizations, and media platforms on beauty narratives, representation, and ethical engagement with Black and Brown audiences.

Work With Dr. Beauty

featured IN

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Experience / portfolio

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15+ years adminstrative experiece at a Big 10 unviersity (RU) and NYU.

10+ years of entrepreneurial, brick and mortar experience.

2

Scholar/ practitioner with doctoral research rooted in beauty performativity.

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Extensive experience presenting research and information in academic and public-facing spaces.

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Collaborations with educators, cultural organizations, military programs, and media platforms.

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Connect with me on linkedin
A young woman with curly hair wearing a graduation cap and gown, smiling and waving. At Rutgers University

“I had the pleasure of reading your PHENOMENAL story in the Rutgers Today recap last week. First, I want to say congratulations on delivering a healthy human! Secondly, I want to thank you for elevating the voices for black women who are navigating life at PWIs. Our experience is rarely taken seriously, and we often do not feel comfortable enough to share outside of our own communities. Thank you for being an inspiring leader and super mom I am sure your children will brag about for years on end.”

Colleague

“I wanted to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering belief in me. Our meeting reignited memories of your advocacy for my inclusion in the summer science program in 2022, despite not meeting all the qualifications. I want you to know that I do not take this for granted and this experience has made a difference in my life. You have been a beacon of inspiration and a guiding light throughout this journey of mine. I deeply value the chance to stay connected with you and to continue benefiting from your mentorship.”

Former Research Assistant

Group of diverse people posing on stairs in an indoor modern building with curved ceiling. Photo from the Aresty Research Center at Rutgers University New Brunswick

Courtesy of the Aresty Research Center, 2025

Significant contributions & awards

  • AERA Annual Meeting, Presenter, 2025 | “Exploring Race, Respectability, and Beauty Standards of Black Women at a Historically White University.”

  • UCEA Convention, Presenter, 2023 | “The Beauty Performance of Black College Women: A Narrative Inquiry Study.”

  • 2025 Recipient of the Dr. Arleen H. Urban “Excellence in Dissertation Award” | Rutgers University, School of Education

  • “Women to Watch 2024,” Hoboken Girl Media, Local Community Publication

Book. Consult. Collab

If you're interested in working with Dr. Beauty, complete the form with a few details about your project. We'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.

A woman sitting on the edge of a stage in a conference room, smiling at the camera, with a large screen behind her displaying information about Undergraduate Research Discovery Day at Rutgers University, including a QR code, event details, and a message thanking attendees.