Lillian brings expertise in identity-affirming interventions, intersectionality theory, and culturally responsive mental health approaches.

Lillian Nguyen is a PhD student in psychology at the University of Michigan, studying identity and social contexts. Her research focuses on discrimination, belonging, and well-being among diverse communities. Lillian has demonstrated exceptional scholarly promise at U-M, having successfully completed her master’s thesis on the experiences of LGBTQ+ people of color, examining how multiple oppressed identities impact mental health outcomes. Her doctoral dissertation explores whether self-affirmation interventions that acknowledge intersected identities (race, sexual orientation, and gender) provide greater psychological benefits than those affirming singular identities alone.

Lillian is an active member of the Research on Anti-Racism and Gender Equity Lab, and her research experience spans prestigious institutions. Lillian evaluated interventions for first-generation students at Stanford University and developed socioemotional training programs for high school teachers with the University of Washington’s School Mental Health Assessment Research and Training Center. More recently, Lillian worked on a National Institute of Health-supported grant supporting student agency and motivation in biomedical fields. She has also collaborated with the Center for Racial Justice to challenge monolithic understandings of  LGBTQ+ homelessness by highlighting unique gendered and sexualized experiences.

Lillian’s commitment to equity extends beyond research into practical application. She has mentored first-generation college students at Santa Clara University and high school students of color at the Level Playing Field Institute. Her work consistently focuses on translating psychological research into actionable programs that address disparities in education, health, and socioeconomic opportunity.

Lillian brings expertise in identity-affirming interventions, intersectionality theory, and culturally responsive mental health approaches. Her research has the potential to inform policy and practice across educational institutions, healthcare settings, and community organizations invested in racial, LGBTQ+, and gender equity.

CEW+ supports Lillian’s groundbreaking research and names her a Riecker Graduate Research Fellow.