Ivy K. Ho

Ivy K. Ho is an Associate Professor of Psychology in the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, specializing in Clinical Health Psychology. Her work focuses on health disparities among women with multiple marginalized identities using intersectional and social ecological frameworks.

Her academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Health Psychology from the University of Louisville (2004)
• M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (1999)
• B.A. in Psychology from the University of Kentucky (1996)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Pediatric Pain Psychology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (2004-2006)

Dr. Ho's research investigates how interpersonal stress (traumatic and non-traumatic) impacts health outcomes, with emphasis on cultural competence in healthcare delivery for Asian American and Southeast Asian American women. Her work bridges health psychology, psychophysiology, and victimization studies to address systemic barriers in medical settings.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2018-2008) reveals consistent focus on trauma, sexual harassment, and health disparities among Asian American women. Key trends include cultural adaptation mechanisms, microaggressions in healthcare, and physiological correlates of stress, often through collaborative projects addressing Southeast Asian American health equity.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Division on Women Award (2011) from the Asian American Psychological Association
• Young Investigator's Travel Award (2004) from the American Pain Society
• Teaching Award from UMass Lowell's Department of Psychology
• Graduate Fellowship Award from the University of Louisville (1999)
• Psi Chi International Honors Society membership (1994)

Dr. Ho has secured significant research funding including an NSF grant for the INCLUDE-Women project examining micro-inequities, multiple UMass Lowell seed grants on Southeast Asian American health, and community-focused initiatives like the Southeast Asian Digital Archive. Her mentoring efforts target underrepresented students through programs such as Recruitment and Retention of Cambodian Americans Majoring in Psychology.