ATLANTA- Former Georgia State volleyball standout Crystal Lee recently had her research published in the Research in Health Science journal. Lee's work addressed the role of race in mental health disparities among African-Americans in the United States.
Lee's research endeavor began her junior year when she expressed interest in getting involved in research while in a class with Dr. Armstrong-Mensah. She knew it would be an excellent opportunity to work on her scientific writing and would help in her post-graduation career.
A Chicago native, Lee chose Georgia State because of the culture of the city and university. Lee began her academic journey as a nursing major, but decided this was not her path. She eventually decided to pursue a degree in public health.
"The reason public health caught my eye was I still had the opportunity to be in the healthcare sector yet on the opposite side of the spectrum than nursing," said Lee. "Public health is a field that focuses on prolonging life and improving quality of life through preventative initiatives, policies, and programs."
In 2018 she was one of five student-athletes from across the country to receive the Wilma Rudolph Student-Athlete Achievement Award. The award is given to student-athletes who overcame great personal, emotional, and/or academic odds to achieve academic success while playing collegiate athletics.
On the court, the standout volleyball player finished her collegiate career with an impressive 818 kills. As the go-to player, she led the Panthers in attacking in her final two seasons. More important than her athletic capabilities, she proved to be a well-regarded leader on the team and she served as team captain as a junior and senior.
"Georgia State's athletics department means the world to me," said Lee. "I had the opportunity to be acknowledged for my perseverance amongst other opportunities that Georgia State University made possible through their support and innovative ways to highlight student-athletes for all their accomplishments."
Today Lee is obtaining her master's degree at Georgia State in public health with a concentration in health management and policy. She is a graduate assistant at Student Health Promotion. She is an intern at the Dekalb County Medical Examiner's Office. Among other responsibilities, she is in the process of writing future research implications alongside one of the forensic pathologist at her internship on 'Examining the Link Between Toxicology and Method of Suicide among Suicide Decedents in Dekalb County.' Ultimately, her goal is to become a healthcare administrator either at a mental health organization or an organization that incorporates comprehensive healthcare to address comorbid conditions.
"Crystal continues to inspire me on a consistent basis with her strength, intellect and relentless work ethic," said head coach Sally Polhamus. "There are no limits on what Crystal can achieve. Now I have the incredible satisfaction of sitting back and cheering her on as she continues to accomplish her goals. She is truly a special person."
Lee continues to be involved in the Atlanta volleyball community. When she is not busy in the classroom or in her career field, she is a volleyball coach at A5 South Volleyball Club and Johns Creek High School.
