Reimagining Systems to Reach Families Where They Are
LAB DIRECTOR
Jenna Yejin Sung
Dr. Jenna Sung is an assistant professor at Boston Univeristy's Department of Counseling Psychology and Applied Human Development.
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Dr. Sung's work aims to ameliorate the longstanding access-disparity within the mental health system that disproportionately harms marginalized families by testing and disseminating accessible, scalable interventions that can address multiple level barriers to care. She is committed to creating and distributing equitable psychotherapy supports for families of varying resources through high-impact implementation focused projects.
LEAF TEAM
Mei Hashimoto
Master's Student
Mei is a second-year student pursuing an Ed.M. in Counseling Psychology at Boston University, specializing in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Mei also received her B.S. in Education and Human Development at BU.
Mei is completing her Practicum and Internship at Boston Neurodynamics, where she primarily work with children, adolescents, and their families navigating ASD, learning disabilities, and anxiety disorders. Mei's work involves talk therapy, neurofeedback, biofeedback, and other neuromodulation techniques.
Mei's research interests center on expanding mental health resources for youth and families, particularly those from underserved communities. Through her work with the LEAF Lab, Mei hope to contribute to research that advances equitable mental health care for children and families by integrating culturally responsive practices and promoting accessible, community-informed interventions.
Allison Sweeney
Research Assistant
Allison is currently pursuing an undergraduate Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology with a minor in Public Health at Boston University. Her research interests include counseling psychology, epigenetics, public health, and genomic medicine. Allison plans to pursue a Masters Degree in Genetic Counseling with plans of specializing in neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Eric Hoffmann
Research Assistant
Eric is a Psychology and Neuroscience major at Boston University with an interest in AI's impact on adolescent development. Eric has written a survey-based research paper for a class on how dormitory lighting impacts students' well-being, and has experience coding and presenting in a lab exploring how nature exposure in childhood impacts screen addiction.
Marine Jung
Research Assistant
Marine is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with a minor in Human Physiology on a pre-medical track at Boston University.
Marine’s interests focus on how structural and socioeconomic factors shape mental health outcomes, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations. Marine is especially drawn to research that challenges stigma surrounding mental illness and emphasizes culturally informed approaches to care.
Through her involvement with the LEAF Lab, Marine hopes to contribute to evidence-based research aimed at reducing health disparities and promoting equitable access to care. Marine plans to pursue a career in medicine that empowers marginalized communities and improves health outcom