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 healthcare.

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 continues to advance methodologies for mental health improvement through interactive and immersive technologies, while also investigating the role of AI-driven tools, such as 3D AI avatars, in enhancing mental health interventions. She has hands-on experience in VR design and game development, and she is highly open to interdisciplinary collaborations.

Her current research lies at the intersection of media psychology and XR, focusing on the transformative potential of immersive technologies in reshaping societal structures and enhancing well-being. Recently, she has developed a growing interest in mental health research for older adults and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), exploring how VR can contribute to social well-being and cognitive support in aging populations. Through her interdisciplinary approach, she aims to bridge the gap between technological innovation and human-centered care.