Hyeri Lee is a Ph.D. student in Communication at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, University of Southern California. With a B.A. and an M.F.A. from Korea National University of Arts, Hyeri has established herself as a director in virtual reality and 3D graphic design, pioneering innovative applications of extended reality (XR) technologies in education and healthcare.

Hyeri’s research intersects media psychology and XR, examining their transformative potential in societal structures. Before joining USC, she contributed to mental health and digital therapy projects at the Digital Convergence and Social Psychiatry Lab (DCSP) at Korea University Anam Hospital.

Her work focuses on developing advanced methodologies for mental health improvement through interactive and immersive technologies, such as serious games and metaverse platforms. She is also exploring the role of AI-driven tools, including 3D AI avatars, in enhancing educational and mental health interventions. Her work aims to foster greater understanding and improve interventions across these crucial areas, bridging the gap between technological innovation and human well-being.