Jamie Heng-Chieh Wu

Jamie Heng-Chieh Wu is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Michigan State University, and serves as Associate Director for Community Evaluation Programs at the Office for Public Engagement and Scholarship. Her work focuses on program evaluation for youth-focused initiatives, particularly out-of-school time programs and preschool education. She also holds roles in University Outreach and Engagement.

Education:

• Ph.D. Recreation and Youth Development, Michigan State University
• M.S. Leisure Studies, National Taiwan Normal University
• B.S. Sociology, National Chengchi University

Research Interests: Dr. Wu specializes in evaluating academic/recreational programs for children/youth outside traditional classrooms. She leads evaluations for Michigan’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers and Great Start Readiness preschool program. Her approach emphasizes data-driven policy influence through youth leadership initiatives and youth-adult partnerships.

Awards:

• 2018 National Afterschool Association Influential Researcher Award

Key Contributions: Principal Investigator for large-scale state-funded preschool evaluations. Active in coalitions strengthening Michigan’s out-of-school time networks and early childhood education systems. Uses data visualization to bridge research and policy decision-making.