Julie Ma

Julie Ma is an Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Michigan-Flint and an affiliated faculty member of the Nam Center for Korean Studies. She holds a PhD from Michigan State University, an MSW from the University of Michigan, and a BA from Ewha Women’s University. Her research focuses on the intersection of neighborhood disadvantage, parenting practices, and child well-being, with a recent emphasis on adolescent reproductive health and the legal landscape of abortion access post-Dobbs. Her work integrates insights from marginalized communities in Michigan, particularly through parent education programs.

Key research areas include the effects of poverty, parental corporal punishment, and contextual factors on childhood behavior and maltreatment. Post-2022, her studies have shifted toward analyzing how restrictive abortion policies impact adolescents’ health decisions, contraception access, and autonomy. She collaborates with youth researchers to explore policy-driven interventions and advocates for equitable healthcare access.

Dr. Ma’s work spans academic and applied contexts, addressing developmental psychology, public health, and social policy. Her research highlights systemic barriers faced by young people and informs evidence-based strategies for supporting families in disadvantaged communities.