Our Team

LAB DIRECTOR, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF FAMILY SCIENCE AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

My research investigates the  complex interplay of social and cultural factors that influence the developmental and psychosocial outcomes of racial and ethnic minority adolescents, with a particularly emphasis on Asian American youth. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, I aim to better understand the complex dynamics that shape their experiences and well-being. Central to my work is the translation of research findings into evidence-based interventions that are developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive. Through this approach, I strive to reduce health disparities and promote positive outcomes among these underserved populations.

My academic journey has been marked by a commitment to interdisciplinary learning and research. I earned my B.A. from Yonsei University and an M.A. in Developmental Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University. I obtained my Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science from the University of Arizona and completed my postdoctoral training in the Clinical and Counseling Psychology Department at Teachers College, Columbia University, further expanding my knowledge in applied psychological interventions.

Graduate Research Assistant

Grace plays in important role in the SLAAY Lab as Research Assistant and Project Manager for the Bridge Project, where she actively connects with community networks and potential participants. She earned her M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from New York University. Prior to joining the lab, Caroline spent two years as an Executive Recruiter at Korn Ferry in the biotechnology and pharmaceuticals practice, conducting structured interviews and qualitative analyses with senior leaders. She is dedicated to advancing research on identity development and mental health among Asian American adolescents and plans to pursue doctoral training in counseling or clinical psychology

Graduate Research Assistant

Mary Healy holds an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montclair State University. She graduated summa cum laude from Rowan University in 2023 with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Education. She currently serves as Research Assistant and Project Manager for the Navigating Race Project, building on two years of experience as an assistant lab manager and research assistant for the Health and Behavioral Integrated Treatments (HABIT) Lab at Rowan University.  She also served as a peer tutor and learning assistant for psychology-related courses. With a strong passion for research, her primary interests lie in clinical mental health and substance use disorders. She will begin her PhD at Montclair State University in Fall 2026.

Graduate Research Assistant

Fernando serves as a Research Assistant and Project Manager, where he plays a vital role in managing recruitment and ensuring high standards of data quality. He holds M.A. in Clinical Research at Montclair State University, having previously earned a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Cognitive Science from Rutgers University. Fernando is deeply passionate about investigating how adverse experiences during childhood and adolescence impact mental well-being in adulthood.

graduate research assistant

Mary Ann is pursuing an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Montclair State University. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 2023 with a B.A. in Psychology and Political Science. Her research interest focuses on how minority stress and multiple intersecting marginalized identities impact the well-being of racial and ethnic minority youth, with a clinical focus on the therapeutic alliance and managing microaggression-related ruptures during treatment. As a transracial adoptee, her lived experiences deeply inform her passion for identity research. Prior to joining the SLAAY Lab, Mary Ann contributed to qualitative research at Mount Holyoke’s WISH lab and served as the ombudsman for the college’s dressage team. Outside of academia, she is an avid nature lover and can usually be found hiking with her dog or enjoying a good cup of tea.

Undergraduate research assistant

Emily Park is a Class of 2027 student at Boston College studying Psychology, with an interest in how environmental factors shape children and adolescents in ways that perpetuate resource and wealth inequality. As a Research Assistant at BC’s Cooperation Lab, she conducts in-person testing sessions, manages data analysis, and is currently writing a thesis on parent and teacher partiality in the distribution of resources across public and private contexts. At the SLAAY Lab, she is a research member for the CHILL project focusing on the impacts of environmental inequality on youth outcomes.

Emily is also Treasurer of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology at Boston College. Beyond the lab, she is Co-Director of ASiAM, the Asian American Literary Magazine at Boston College, where she works to amplify Asian American student voices.

Yebin is a Senior at Bergen County Academies in Business and Finance Academy. With a global upbringing spanning three countries, Yebin brings a unique perspective on diversity. Her cross-cultural experiences have fueled a passion for researching ethnicity and racial discrimination issues. Giving back through volunteering as a teacher's assistant at Korean School allows her to help build ethnicity in the next generation of Korean Americans. Outside of the academics, Yebin also enjoys playing cello and making music with others.

Hi! My name is Donayoung Kim, but I go by Dona for short. I am a Senior at the Academy of the Holy Angels. As an Asian American student, I am deeply passionate about advocating for the well-being and representation of racial and ethnic minorities, particularly within the Asian American community. I believe it's important to create more awareness around issues of diversity and inclusion, and I try to get involved in activities that support social justice and equality. Outside of my academics, I also enjoy volunteering and participating in events that promote positive change in my community.

Andrew is a Senior at Regis High School in Manhattan and is interested in the fields of foreign policy (specifically, immigration) as well as political science. His experience working in the New York immigration courts led him to develop a passion and interest in researching the specific challenges that migrants undergo when emigrating to new countries. Additionally, Andrew is an active member of the Regis Debate Team, Varsity Tennis, and Foreign Policy Club. Outside of school, Andrew enjoys watching the Miami Heat, The New York Yankees, and the New York Giants, playing basketball, hanging out with friends, and listening to Drake.

Justin is a Senior studying at the Bergen County Academies Computer Science where

he is enrolled in the Academy for Technology and Computer Science. His experience

co-founding a STEM education nonprofit has drawn Justin to the intersection of technology and human welfare, especially concerning Asian American adolescents. Recognizing that the digital landscape plays an increasingly influential role in the lives of today's youth, he sought to explore how technology shapes psychological and social experiences within online communities.

Justin’s strong commitment to combatting systemic racism and its pervasive effects has also served as an instrumental motivator throughout his time working with the SLAAY Lab. Outside of his academic pursuits, Justin enjoys playing the trumpet, watching the Brooklyn Nets, and dedicating his time to robotics and engineering projects.

Sarah Chun is currently a Senior at Dwight-Englewood School. She is deeply captivated by art, writing, and psychology—particularly work that allows her to explore her own imagination, identity, and storytelling. Her interest in psychology shapes the way her artistic practice develops, and as an Asian American, Sarah draws from her own perspective and experiences to empower her creative voice and her passion for sharing meaningful findings with both elders and youth through art.

In the lab, she is responsible for designing illustrated research pamphlets that translate our findings into accessible visual materials, which are distributed to community centers and shared with adult and youth audiences. In her free time, she enjoys watching action films and walking her two dogs.

Kira Chontow

Richard Cavaliere-Mazziotta - Wesleyan University

Emily Xing- Duke University

Jaeha Justin Kim- Princeton University

Michael Medina- Montclair State University

Noah Shin