FamiLee Life

About the Authors

My colleagues (Patricia Frazier and Mike Steger) and I recently wrote a reaction to a major contribution in The Counseling Psychologist, which is a well-respected peer-reviewed journal in our field. The topic of our paper is not that relevant. What I want to talk about is the part of the journal in which contributing authors provide a brief professional biographical sketch. Usually, these biographies have a standard format that includes current position, degree and university, current research interests, and any professional achievements. Not too sexy.

Here is my "About the Authors" biography...

Richard M. Lee is an associate professor of psychology and Asian American studies
at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities and an amateur karaoke singer. His
research interest centers on the process, outcome, and protective function of cultural
socialization and its relevance to mental health in diverse Asian American populations.
He has received funding from the National Institute of Mental Health for his
research on the cultural socialization and mental health of Korean adoptees. He is a
recipient of early career awards from the APA Minority Fellowship Program and the
Asian American Psychological Association.

Did you catch it? If not, read it again carefully. I recall that it was a crazy busy work day when I was asked to submit the brief bio-sketch. I was feeling a bit on edge (maybe too much caffeine) and decided to add some humor to my day. I figured, "Heck, might as well try to spice up these dry, academic journals." Amazingly, they did not edit it out!

So there you have it folks...I am now in the library database as an amateur karaoke singer.