Class of 2027
Dominique Preston Explores Beauty Industry Injustices as Rackham Fellow
Passionate About Advancing Health Equity
Dominique Preston is junior at Spelman College majoring in comparative women’s studies with a minor in cosmetic science.
A proud Detroiter and aspiring physcian's assistant, Preston is passionate about advancing health equity, especially in ways that uplift and protect Black women.
Preston recently participated in the Rackham Aspiring Fellows Program at the University of Michigan, where she conducted research on the environmental injustice of beauty products marketed toward Black women. Her project interrogates the harmful chemical exposure disproportionately affecting Black consumers and calls for transparency, regulation, and community-centered solutions in the beauty industry.
Beyond her research, Preston served as the vice president of Spelman’s Sophomore Class and is actively involved in shaping inclusive spaces for students interested in health, beauty, and social justice.
After graduation, Preston plans to become a dermatology physician's assistant and eventually open a med spa that centers on holistic care and cultural competence.
Reflecting on her experience, she said:
“The Rackham Aspiring Fellows Program gave me the confidence and tools to see myself as both a researcher and future healthcare provider. It’s a rare opportunity that makes you feel seen, challenged, and deeply supported. I encourage any student even remotely interested to go for it—you won’t regret it.”