Meet the Staff

THE INSTITUTEÌý
The pursuit of social justice takes a lifetime commitment. It occurs at multiple levels and entails not only celebration of difference, but also willingness to self-reflect, proactively engage, and persevere in spite of fear and resistance. Each member of the ISRC's staff is committed to social justice and fortifies their commitment in spite of animosity. Meet the people embodying ISRC's mission.

Director

Alex L. Pieterse
Alex L. Pieterse
Director
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Alex L. Pieterse

Alex L. Pieterse

Director

Dr. Pieterse an Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology in the Department of Counseling, Educational and Developmental Psychology. He received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University. Dr. Pieterse’s scholarship focuses on psychosocial aspects of race and racism, racial trauma, and anti-racism training and self-awareness. He is a prior recipient of a NIH – Health Disparities Grant. Dr Pieterse is currently an Associate Editor for The Counseling Psychologist. Dr. Pieterse is a Licensed Psychologist and has experience as a Racial Diversity Consultant.

Eun Jeong (EJ) Yang
Eun Jeong (EJ) Yang
Research Assistant
she/her
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Eun Jeong (EJ) Yang

Eun Jeong (EJ) Yang

Research Assistant

she/her

Eun Jeong (EJ) Yang is a fourth-year doctoral student in Counseling Psychology at Boston College. As a first-generation Korean immigrant, EJ's worldview is profoundly influenced by her bicultural and bilingual background. She holds an Ed.M. in Human Development and Psychology from the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University, along with an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Boston College. Prior to embarking on her doctoral journey, EJ worked extensively with survivors of complex trauma as an individual outpatient therapist. EJ's current research focuses on various aspects of Asian/Asian American mental health, particularly in relation to their experiences of racism and xenophobia. Her scholarly interests also encompass culturally informed assessment and intervention strategies, as well as the exploration of racial trauma. Furthermore, EJ is passionate about advancing integrative methodologies for treating complex PTSD.

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Shari Gordon
Shari Gordon
Research Assistant
she/her
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Shari Gordon

Shari Gordon

Research Assistant

she/her

Shari Gordon is a doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program at Boston College. She earned a B.A. in Psychology and African American Studies from Northwestern University, and went on to complete her M.A. in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine at Boston University. She is currently a research assistant and member of the RESIST Lab and Institute for the Study of Race and Culture. Her research interests are at the intersection of racial trauma, racial identity, and Black Hair studies.

Krystal Cunningham
Krystal Cunningham
Coordinator
she/her
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Krystal Cunningham

Krystal Cunningham

Coordinator

she/her

Krystal is a master’s student in the Mental Health Counseling program at Boston College, where she is also the 2024-25 Coordinator for the Institute for the Study of Race and Culture.. Since graduating from University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Gender Studies, she has worked in addiction counseling as well as curriculum development and facilitation of multicultural competence staff training for clinicians at treatment facilities. Her research interests include anti-racism, racial trauma, multicultural competence training, and identity development among LGBTQ+ people of color, particularly those who are Black. She is passionate about the healing of historically marginalized groups, the pursuit of justice, and the responsibility of the field of psychology to facilitate both.