Lee R. Eshelman

Lee R. Eshelman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and Director of the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program at the University of Detroit Mercy. She leads the Trauma, Resilience, and Empowerment (TREE) Lab, focusing on trauma's psychological impacts. Her work spans clinical psychology, trauma studies, and cultural factors in mental health.

• Education: Ph.D. and M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Miami University; B.A. from Michigan State University
• Training: APA-accredited internship at University of Wisconsin's Psychiatry Department; postdoctoral fellowship in Women’s Health at University of Michigan Medicine/VA Ann Arbor Consortium

Her research examines how trauma affects coping, resilience, and disorders like PTSD and substance abuse. She explores interpersonal violence through an intersectional lens, particularly studying Black women's experiences with trauma and racism, male survivors' mental health, and minority stress in bisexual women.

Recent work reveals patterns in sexual assault disclosure reactions, pathways linking childhood maltreatment to adult trauma, and cultural influences on PTSD symptoms. She teaches graduate and undergraduate courses while mentoring students in trauma-focused research.

The TREE Lab investigates trauma sequelae and advocates for culturally informed interventions. Collaborations include studies on military sexual trauma and suicidal behaviors in sexual violence survivors. Her publications highlight emotion regulation, revictimization risks, and trauma's societal implications.