Soomi Lee

Dr. Soomi Lee is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State University's College of Health and Human Development. She directs the Sleep, Stress, and Health (STEALTH) Laboratory, focusing on sleep health, stress physiology, and their impact on aging-related health outcomes. Her research integrates micro-longitudinal methods like daily diaries, ecological momentary assessments, and actigraphy to explore bidirectional relationships between sleep, pain, cardiovascular health, and work-family dynamics across adulthood.

• Education: Ph.D. (2015) and M.S. (2011) in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State and Yonsei University, respectively
• Current Affiliation: Penn State University (2023-present)
• Previous Roles: Assistant Professor at University of South Florida School of Aging Studies (2018–2023)
• Key Research Areas: Sleep diversity, stress reactivity, activity variety, and healthy aging

Her recent publications examine sleep's role in Alzheimer's disease risk, loneliness mitigation through social activities, work-life balance interventions, and cross-cultural aging patterns. She has received multiple awards including the Springer Early Career Achievement Award and NIH/NHLBI R01 funding for sleep and inflammation research.