Sociology Doctoral Student Empowers Mental Health Awareness at Comic-Con Panel 

Jaylen Christie combines comic books, sociology, and mental health education in presentation at popular convention in San Diego, California. 

Written by: Sultana Ali | Published: September 24, 2025

What is the connection between comics and mental health? For UCF doctoral student Jaylen Christie, the relationship came naturally. A longtime fan of comic book hero, The Flash, Christie was naturally drawn to themes in popular culture while pursuing his PhD in sociology at UCF’s College of Sciences.  

“As a kid, you may notice that many superheroes have a traumatic experience—such as the death of a family member, a tragic accident, or another difficult event,” says Christie. “I see the possibility of mental health education in those examples. If someone has experienced trauma and looks to superheroes and comic book culture, it could potentially provide an ideal space for discussion.” 

Christie served as a panelist at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con as part of a discussion entitled, “GeekEd: Mr. Stark, I Don’t Feel So Good.” The conversation—moderated by Dr. Alfred Day, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Support and Belonging at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)—focused on how trauma-informed practices, shaped by comic book storytelling, can help higher education professionals better support students navigating challenges in their lives and academic journeys. Additional panelists included Dr. Alison Cares, Associate Professor of Sociology at UCF; Emilie Mitchell, a Counseling Intern at UC Berkeley; and Sabrina Van Zuiden, with the Counseling and Social Services department at University Health Services at UC Berkeley. 

Christie’s presentation was hosted by the GeekEd. Collective, a group which helps students combat loneliness through “geek-themed programming”—which blends pop culture with academic on university campuses. He credits Cares with the presentation opportunity.  

“Dr. Cares has a wonderful relationship with the GeekEd. Collective through her past work with them as well as her selection for the panel conversation,” says Christie. “After sharing my interests in comic book superheroes, she opened the door for me to Comic-Con. I was able to connect with the group that oversees the work, including Dr. Alfred Day, one of the GeekEd. Collective founders, and I was warmly welcomed to join.” 

San Diego Comic-Con is a popular convention held annually, showcasing comics, art, television, gaming, and interactive multimedia. While many of the events and panels focus on cosplay and popular culture, the panelists spoke to important themes of mental health affecting many young people today. It is a topic that is inspiring Christie’s studies.  

“Sociology is the study of human behavior, and I think most sociologists want to better the world or help in some way,” says Christie. “By studying sociology, we can create solutions to help those in need. Our panel focused on why it’s important to discuss trauma and how it’s a crucial part of the healing process, helping others to feel less isolated.” 

Christie has a deeply personal experience with comic books, growing up with a large comic book collection and a regular TV diet of “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” and “Batman.” He’s also a comic book author and illustrator. Christie published the first in a series of six comic books entitled “Stink Bomb Man and the Brain Kids,” which touches on sociology and community themes.  

Christie is already a UCF alumnus with his master’s degree in communication from the Nicholson School of Communication and Media, with a successful career in public relations and journalism. He shares that UCF prepared him well for this panel opportunity.  

“If it wasn’t for UCF, I wouldn’t have been at Comic-Con or in this PhD program—it’s the reason I was there this summer,” says Christie. “I have learned a lot through my studies in both communication and sociology, and I’m applying those concepts. I’m truly grateful to Dr. Cares. She is awe-inspiring in terms of her knowledge and what she has accomplished.” 

Christie encourages fellow students to get to know their professors and to share their goals, as he did with Cares, and hopes to attend Comic-Con next year. 

“Comic-Con was mind-blowing; I was with my people,” says Christie.