Lee Eshelman

Lee R. Eshelman is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Director of the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program at the University of Detroit Mercy's College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences. She joined the faculty in 2019 after completing her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Miami University and a postdoctoral fellowship in Women's Health at the University of Michigan Medicine/VA Ann Arbor Consortium. She directs the Trauma, REsilience, and Empowerment (TREE) Lab, focusing on trauma impacts across diverse populations.

Research Focus

Her research examines how trauma influences coping, resilience, and psychological outcomes like PTSD and substance use, with emphasis on:

• Interpersonal violence and sexual assault sequelae
• Intersections of racism-related stressors and trauma among Black women
• Masculinity and mental health in male survivors
• Culturally informed interventions for trauma recovery

Current projects investigate disclosure patterns, emotional regulation deficits, and systemic barriers in help-seeking behaviors.

Publications & Academic Trends

Her 15 most recent articles (2014-2024) demonstrate concentrated expertise in trauma psychology, with recurring themes of PTSD mechanisms, minority stress (particularly in bisexual women and Black women), and masculinity in trauma responses. Methodologically, her work frequently employs latent class/profile analysis and mediation models to examine risk pathways.

Teaching & Mentoring

She teaches graduate/undergraduate courses including Cultural Diversity and Trauma Psychology, and mentors graduate students in research—evidenced by collaborations with advisees like J.E. Grabowski and N.E. Harper on publications and conference presentations. Her lab focuses on strengths-based professional development for diverse career paths.