Wan-Yi Chen

Wan-Yi Chen is a Professor in the Department of Social Work at West Chester University's College of Education and Social Work. Holding a PhD and MPhil in Social Work from Columbia University, along with an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, her academic work focuses on the intersection of victimization experiences, behavioral health outcomes, and community impacts.

• BA, Social Work: Tunghai University
• MSW: University of Pennsylvania
• MPhil, Social Work: Columbia University
• PhD, Social Work: Columbia University

Her research emphasizes:

• Childhood victimization and trauma responses
• Community violence effects on adolescents and young adults
• Mental health service utilization in trauma recovery
• Maternal harsh parenting linked to domestic/community violence exposure
• Civic engagement behaviors influenced by community trauma

Publications reveal focus areas in community violence dynamics (2011-2016), depressive symptomology, and caregiver well-being. Collaborations include work with Dr. Amber Holbrook on MSW program evaluation pedagogy.

• 2015: Outstanding Service Award, WCU MSW Program

Current research explores teaching pedagogy for applied research methods in social work education, alongside maternal exposure impacts on toddler behaviors.