Donna Nagata

Donna Nagata is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Illinois. Her research focuses on Asian American mental health, particularly the psychosocial consequences of historical trauma such as the World War II Japanese American incarceration, intergenerational family relations, and cultural influences on emotional well-being.

Her work bridges qualitative and quantitative methods, emphasizing culturally sensitive approaches to understanding minority communities. Notable contributions include Legacy of Injustice: Exploring the Cross-Generational Impact of the Japanese American Internment (1993) and co-editing Qualitative Strategies for Ethnocultural Research (2012).

Her research has been highlighted in institutional news, including a talk on the intergenerational impacts of the WWII incarceration, streamed online. She has been involved in prominent academic events such as the APA 2017 Annual Convention. Her interdisciplinary approach addresses systemic inequities and promotes mental health equity for marginalized groups.