About me
Hyein Lee is driven by the power of research and evaluation to build evidence-based narratives for immigrant and higher education equity.
She first learned about the necessity of rigorous data collection and management in supporting programs serving marginalized populations while working at the YMCA in Flushing, Queens. Since then, Hyein’s work has focused on leading quantitative and qualitative assessment of programs promoting college access and success, such as TheDream.US and the CUNY Start-ASAP Foster Care Initiative, at the City University of New York’s Office of Research, Evaluation & Program Support.
Hyein came to the United States at the age of 17 from South Korea. She received a B.A. in History from New York University and has a Ph.D. in Sociology from the Graduate Center at the City University of New York. Her highly regarded research focuses on undocumented students in higher education.
Dr. Lee is a highly sought-after speaker and expert on data and metrics concerning undocumented students. Most recently, in 2024, she won the Presidential Prize for Public Communication in the Dissertation Showcase at the Graduate Center. Her reports, findings, and research have been used in articles, amicus briefs, and congressional testimonies. Her work is among the most extensive in highlighting key data on DACA, TPS, and fully undocumented students.
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