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 Counseling Psychology Department at Teachers College, Columbia University, further expanding my knowledge in applied psychological interventions.

Graduate Research Assistant

Grace “Caroline” Lee earned her M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from New York University. Before joining the SLAAY Lab, she worked for two years as an Executive Recruiter in the biotechnology and pharmaceuticals practice at Korn Ferry, where she conducted structured interviews and qualitative analyses with senior leaders. Caroline is committed to advancing research on mental health and identity development among Asian American adolescents and plans to pursue doctoral training in counseling or clinical psychology.

Graduate Research Assistant

Mary Healy is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling MA student at Montclair State University. She graduated from Rowan University in 2023 with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Education. Mary has 2 years of experience as assistant lab manager and a research assistant for The Health and Behavioral Integrated Treatments (HABIT) lab at Rowan University. She also has experience as a peer tutor and learning assistant for psychology related courses. Mary has a strong passion for research and her primary areas of interest include clinical mental health and substance use disorders.

Graduate Research Assistant

Fernando is currently completing his M.A. in clinical research at Montclair State University. He completed his B.A. in psychology at Rutgers University while minoring in cognitive science. Fernando is passionate about developing a further understanding of how adverse experiences during childhood and adolescence can impact one’s mental well-being in adulthood. 

Noah Shin is a Senior at Tenafly High School and is interested in the fields of psychology and human development. He has a particular passion for improving the mental health of youth struggling with anxiety and depression. His desire to make a difference in the field of mental health has led Noah to pursue volunteer opportunities with children and individuals with disabilities, forging deep connections with them through tutoring, sports, and conversation. He looks forward to contributing to the SLAAY Lab and making a positive impact on the Asian American youth community, especially in helping to raise awareness and understanding of the impacts of racial discrimination on the mental health of youth.  In his spare time, Noah enjoys watching movies with his friends and family, playing soccer, and jamming with his siblings on the drums and piano.

Yebin is a Junior 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.

Andrew is currently a Junior 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.

Kira Chontow

Richard Cavaliere-Mazziotta - Wesleyan University

Emily Xing- Duke University

Jaeha Justin Kim- Princeton University

Michael Medina- Montclair State University