Associate Professor
Contact Information
Email: lhlee@ua.edu
Areas of Interest and Expertise
- Criminal Justice/Juvenile Justice Reform
- Health Disparities
- Macro Practice
- Program Evaluation
- Substance Abuse
Education
- MSW, University of Pennsylvania
- PhD, University of Pittsburgh
Bio
Dr. Lewis H. Lee focuses on the intersection of micro- and macro-level factors associated with reentry and health disparities among justice-involved populations. His research examines how individual experiences, family dynamics, and broader structural conditions, such as neighborhood environments, social policies, and access to community resources, shape outcomes for individuals transitioning back into the community after justice system involvement. In particular, his work seeks to identify social and environmental determinants related to recidivism, health outcomes, and successful reintegration.
In addition to his work on justice-involved populations, Dr. Lee also studies health disparities among older adults, particularly those living in underserved and rural communities. His research in this area examines how social determinants of health, including environmental conditions, access to healthcare resources, and community infrastructure, affect the well-being and quality of life of aging populations. Through both quantitative and community-engaged research approaches, he seeks to better understand the structural and environmental factors that contribute to inequities in health outcomes among older adults and to inform strategies for reducing these disparities.
He is also a scholar with long-standing interests in research methodology and social work macro practice. His methodological work emphasizes the application of quantitative and mixed-methods approaches to evaluate social interventions, examine complex social problems, and inform evidence-based policy and practice. Through this work, he aims to strengthen the empirical foundation of social work research and contribute to greater methodological rigor in the field.
Dr. Lee teaches research-related courses, including Social Work Research, Evaluation Research, and Quantitative Research. In these courses, he emphasizes the practical application of research methods, helping students develop the analytical skills necessary to evaluate programs, interpret data, and apply evidence-based approaches in social work practice and policy.