Grace Lee

Grace Lee serves as PLI’s lead researcher, guiding mixed methods initiatives that strengthen data-informed decision making, amplify community voices, and deepen stakeholder engagement. She designs surveys and interviews to evaluate community needs and program outcomes, and translates findings into actionable insights that support accountability, program development, and grant writing. Prior to her current role, Grace supported PLI’s ESL Program as an instructional coach beginning in 2024.

Before joining PLI, Grace conducted research at the University of Houston, where she studied teachers’ language practices and eye-gaze pattern profiles in bidialectal speakers. She also brings a decade of ESL teaching experience in postsecondary and K-6 settings, both in the U.S. and abroad. Grace holds dual master’s degrees in TESOL and Intercultural Studies and completed her Ph.D. and postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Houston.

A native Washingtonian (D.C.), Grace enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, hiking, baking, and watching K-dramas. She is passionate about building bridges across diverse communities and using research to strengthen programs in meaningful ways.