معرفی
Dr. Yao Wang serves as Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Arlington, where she conducts vital research on child welfare systems and vulnerable populations. Her work addresses critical gaps in services for transition-age youth in foster care and culturally responsive support for immigrant families of children with developmental disabilities.
Education:
- PhD in Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore (2024)
- MSW, The Ohio State University (2017)
- BA in Japanese Language, Shanghai International Studies University (2015)
Dr. Wang's research program centers on three interconnected domains: the transition experiences of youth aging out of foster care, cultural dynamics affecting Asian American families of children with autism and developmental disabilities, and pandemic impacts on child welfare systems. Her work consistently employs mixed-methods approaches to uncover structural barriers while centering the lived experiences of marginalized communities. Recent studies examine professional relationship dynamics in foster care, mental health disparities among aging-out youth, and diagnostic barriers for East Asian American families.
Her publication record (2020-2025) shows consistent output in top-tier social work and interdisciplinary journals, with increasing focus on intersectional analyses of race, immigration status, and disability. The research demonstrates methodological sophistication through statewide assessments, ecological analyses, and systematic reviews that inform both practice and policy.
Professional Service:
- College Guest Speaker, PhD Program (2025-Present)
- Committee Member, Awards Committee (2025-Present)
- Committee Member, Child & Family Committee (2024-Present)
- Professional Mentor, SSWR 2025 Mentorship Program (2024-Present)
- Reviewer, Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal (2024-Present)
Dr. Wang teaches graduate research methodology courses while maintaining active professional engagement through Society for Social Work and Research and Council on Social Work Education memberships. Her early-career trajectory shows significant promise for advancing equity-focused child welfare research.
