Ashlee R. Barnes-Lee is a Detroit native and interdisciplinary scholar. She earned a B.A. in both Criminal Justice and Psychology, and a Masters and Ph.D. in Ecological-Community Psychology from Michigan State University (MSU). She has a decade of practical experience working with youth in diversion programs, juvenile probation, detention centers, and in facilities serving youth diagnosed with mental health challenges. She is currently a Assistant Professor of Social Work at MSU.
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Dr. Barnes-Lee's research agenda emphasizes developing strategic partnerships with juvenile legal system administrators and K-12 school administrators to advance equity within both systems. She promotes strengths-based approaches to risk and needs assessment with legal system collaborators. She seeks to disrupt school-to-prison pipeline trends (e.g., school-based discipline and arrest disparities, violence prevention) by promoting restorative practices within the K-12 school system.
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Overall, her research has led to 18 peer-reviewed publications in high- impact outlets including, Criminal Justice & Behavior, Law & Human Behavior, and Children and Youth Services Review. The completion and dissemination of her research have been supported by over $2.8 million in grants, competitive fellowships, and travel funding.
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In the classroom, Dr. Barnes-Lee nurtures an inclusive learning community where students can feel safe to actively engage in the learning process. Her approach has consistently resulted in strong student evaluations. In addition to her formal teaching experience, she has taught, trained, and mentored 34 undergraduate and graduate students who have served as research assistants and publication co-authors and have earned degrees in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Public Policy.
Dr. Barnes-Lee is a member of several professional associations, including, Society for Social Work and Research, American Psychological Association Society for Community Research and Action, and American Society of Criminology. She enjoys teaching Zumba, taco Tuesdays, and movie nights with her family.
