I earned my bachelor's degree in Chinese Language and Literature at Shenzhen University in 2014, followed by a master's degree in Child Development at California State University (CSU), Los Angeles in 2021 and a master's degree in Applied Statistics at CSU Long Beach in 2023.

In my research, I want to understand the impact of adverse childhood experiences, such as unhealthy family dynamics, and how to support children and adolescents to develop a growth mindset and build resilience. I am also interested in applying statistical methods such as machine learning and structural equation modeling, to social science. Outside of school, I love to play with my cat Wonderful, whose name when pronounced in Chinese means a “rich and moral king.” 

Publications

Zhao, Y., Dennis, J. M., & Houseman, C. (2024). Predictors of hookup behaviors among Asian and Asian American college students in the United States. Journal of American College Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2024.2311121 

Conference Presentations 

Zhao, Y. & Munger, A. (2024). Chinese American parents’ perspectives on their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities’ oral health [poster]. 18th Annual Conference for University of California's Center for Research on Special Education, Disabilities, and Developmental Risk, Sacramento, CA.