Jocelyn R. Smith Lee

Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro

Jocelyn R. Smith Lee is an Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. Rooted in Baltimore and growing in Greensboro, Dr. Smith Lee’s community-engaged program of research examines trauma, violence, grief, and healing among Black boys, men, and families. She studies the health disparities of violent injury and violent death, with a focus on understanding how losing loved ones to community and police violence shapes the health, well-being, development, and family relationships of Black boys and men. Her research lab, Centering Black Voices, aims to challenge narrow narratives of Black men and violence through trauma-informed praxis that affirms humanity, prevents violence, promotes healing, and advances racial equity. Her research to disrupt the dehumanization of Black men was selected as a Gates Grand Challenge winner. Her scholarship has been published in top-tier journals, presented at national scientific convenings, and covered by national news outlets. She completed her Master’s of social work in Marriage and PhD in Family Therapy and Family Science at the University of Maryland, College Park.