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 my M.A in TESOL from Sookmyung Women's 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

Kira is a PhD student at Montclair State University in Family Science and Human Development. Outside of school, Kira works with youth across New Jersey, and enjoys connecting the research and practice. 

Kira holds a B.S in public health and a Masters of Social Work and enjoys using the multidisciplinary view to enhance her work.

Graduate Research Assistant

Chuidan recently  graduated from Teachers College, Columbia University with a Master's degree in Developmental Psychology. She is interested in understanding and enhancing the quality of life for children and adolescents. At the SLAAY Lab, Chuidan is actively involved in the Navigating Race project.

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. 

Graduate Research Assistant

Michael Medina is completing his M.A. in clincial psychology with a concentration in children and adolescents at Montclair State University. He completed his B.A. in psychology and sociology at Rutgers University and currently works for RWJBH as a Mental Health Associate. He also is a research assistant for the Youth Mental Health Service Lab (YMHS) at Montclair State University. Michael's primary focus is understanding how traumatic experiences in childhood can later lead to depression and anxiety in adolescents and ways to help them handle their trama. Lastly, Michael is interested in seeing how social media can be used as a positive tool for uplifting minority disadvantaged youth during times of stress.

Research Assistant

Ritchie is a Senior at Tenafly High School. His academic areas of interest are in the humanities and social sciences. His quest for a deeper understanding of the complexities of human behavior and societal dynamics has influenced his volunteer experiences and academic choices. Ritchie has rich volunteer experience, including on the Blackfeet Native American Reservation in Montana where he gained insights into the lived experiences of indigenous communities.

This experience influenced his choice of topic for his AP seminar research project titled “ The Impact of Historical Trauma on Substance Use Disorders in Native American Communities”. Further, Ritchie is an active member of several schools clubs including the Philosophy club, the UNICEF club and is a writer for school newspaper where he writes about music and culture. Outside of school Ritchie is very involved in music. He is a member of the audition based House

Band at The School of Rock where he performs at live local venues throughout the year and tours with band during the summer playing shows across the county.

Research Assistant

Justin is currently a Junior at Tenafly High School. He is deeply interested in public policy and the humanities and frequently writes on various matters. Being part of the Asian-American youth himself after arriving in the United States as an immigrant, Justin’s experiences have made him inclined to research the issues of ethnicity and race in such Asian-American communities. To spread his racial identity on the path to gradually eliminating racial conflict, Justin has developed his news platform, Koread, where he writes and shares news about Korean Americans. Outside academics, Justin enjoys running, spending time with his loved ones, and exploring music.

Noah Shin is a Junior 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 Sophomore 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 currently a sophomore 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.