About
Sophia Hwang, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Community Psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Informed by her experience as a former high school science teacher, Dr. Hwang’s research focuses on: (1) promoting students’ academic, social, and emotional development; (2) improving school and afterschool contexts; and (3) supporting educators’ professional development and wellness. Her research is community-based, conducted via research-practice partnerships, and leverages quasi-experimental, person-centered, or mixed methods. Dr. Hwang received her doctorate in Applied Psychology from NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at UC Berkeley’s Center for Prevention Research in Social Welfare.Research interests
Dr. Hwang’s research interests lie at the intersection of psychology, education, and human development. She conducts community-based research that aims to improve: (1) academic, social, and emotional outcomes especially for Black and Latine youth and English learners, (2) learning contexts, and (3) educator professional development. Dr. Hwang leverages quantitative and qualitative approaches to examine supportive relationships, systems change, and improvement efforts in schools.Education
- Ph D — New York University (2021)
- MS — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (2010)
- BA — STANFORD UNIVERSITY (2008)