Early Career Professionals (ECP) ChairHan Na Lee, Ph.D.
I am an Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology at Iowa State University where I direct the Contextual, Allyship, Racism, and Empowerment (CARE) Lab. I also serve as a board member for the Korean American Wellness Association (KAWA), a non-profit community organization. My research primarily focuses on (1) the impact of oppression (e.g., racism, systemic oppression), (2) understanding how sociocultural context shapes relationships that impact mental health and well-being for Asian Americans including immigrants, (3) examining immigrant-specific concerns (e.g., hwa-byung, migratory grief), and (4) developing community-based interventions that are culturally, linguistically, and socioeconomically appropriate for diverse populations. I earned my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and completed my pre-doctoral internship at the University of Texas at Austin. I am deeply grateful to my mentors, including Dr. Eunju Yoon, Dr. Matt Miller, Dr. Elizabeth Vera, Dr. Rachel Smith, Dr. Danielle Sirles, and others, who helped me to critically examine whose voices are centered and whose are excluded. I'm committed to challenging and dismantling oppressive systems while promoting social justice - aligning with joy & justice to empower individuals and communities. My research, teaching, clinical, and community work are rooted in social justice and liberation for collective healing. I am committed to using the advocacy skills I've learned from my mentors and community to actively challenge anti-Black racism, promote liberation, and foster healing. As ECP chair, I believe that research and scholarship are most impactful when they drive meaningful, positive change in people's lives. In that sense, I strive to create inclusive space and engage in organizational action that aligns with SCP's values. My goal is to build and sustain initiatives that amplify historically excluded voices, foster critical consciousness, and advance equity and justice. It is an honor to serve as ECP chair and support the interests of the SCP community in these efforts. |
