Michelle M. Lee

Michelle M. Lee is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Amherst College (2024–2025), transitioning to Assistant Professor of Psychology and Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Studies in fall 2025. Her academic work bridges social psychology and ethnic studies, focusing on the psychological mechanisms behind interracial coalition-building and social change.

Her research explores how racial identity, stereotypes, and narratives about systemic inequality shape perceptions of activists and allies across diverse coalitions. Using experimental methods grounded in social psychological theory, she investigates:

• How racial identity influences perceptions of authenticity and effectiveness in activism
• How identity management strategies impact solidarity among racial minorities
• How framing of inequality affects meritocratic beliefs and support for marginalized groups

While no publications or awards are listed in the current text, her research agenda is deeply interdisciplinary and socially engaged, positioning her at the forefront of emerging scholarship on race, identity, and collective action.

She is actively involved in teaching, mentoring, and curriculum development, particularly in advancing AAPI Studies within psychology. Though no labs or formal research teams are mentioned, her experimental approach suggests active involvement in empirical research with undergraduate and graduate collaborators.