Jacqueline McDowell’s research focuses on diversity issues in intercollegiate sports. She is particularly interested in the intersection of race and gender within college sports programs. Dr. McDowell completed her doctoral degree at Texas A&M University in 2008.

The 2007-08 NCAA Race and Gender Demographics Report noted that in Division I, II, and III schools combined, only 13 athletic directors were African American women. In a study of how these women negotiated their race, gender, and class identities in the workplace, Dr. McDowell learned that many felt they had to "tone down" their racial identity in order to perform their jobs effectively. This typically was a response to the stereotypes they encountered, particularly at predominantly white institutions, including that of "angry black woman" and "quota hire."

One of the consistent complaints among the athletic directors focused on the lack of similar role models. Most had been mentored by white males, and felt it would have been beneficial to have had the perspective and guidance of an African American woman.

As a result of this research, Dr. McDowell, along with Dr. Kim Shinew, developed a research/outreach project, called The Shoulders Project, dedicated to the growth and development of women of color interested in careers in recreation, sport, and tourism. The Shoulders Project, which began in the fall 2010 semester, seeks to improve the professional preparation of women of color by focusing on three key categories: career development, mentoring, and improving leadership skills. In her involvement with this project, Dr. McDowell helped organize and host semi-monthly professional development seminars, assisted participants in finding and contacting professionals within their fields of interest, aided participants in the internship search process, and provided mentorship primarily in relation to participants' leadership skills.

By focusing on developing relevant and transferable life skills and academic excellence and by offering young girls the kind of mentorship and professional development that current African American female athletic directors lacked, Dr. McDowell hopes to have a positive impact on the girls' academic and professional success. She says improving the quality of life of the populations she studies is what motivates and drives her research, which she says is always a combination of theory, application, and outreach.