Meet the Staff

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 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.

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.

Jasmine Mueller-Hsia (she/her) is a master’s student in the Mental Health Counseling program at Boston College, where she is also the 2023-24 Coordinator for the Institute for the Study of Race and Culture. She graduated from Stanford University with a B.A. in Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies and a concentration in Queer Studies in 2018. As a Chinese and white, queer, cisgender, able-bodied woman, Jasmine walks in many worlds. Liberation is the heart of her lifework: her research interests center on the lived experiences of queer and trans people of color, particularly regarding relationships and disability, and how we can build worlds where everyone is free. Outside of research and school, Jasmine loves spending time outside with her dog, Chula, and sharing food and laughter with her friends, partners, and family.