Yao Yang

Headshot of Dr. Yao Yang.

I am an institutional research and assessment specialist dedicated to advancing equity, student success, and evidence-based decision-making in higher education. With a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and experience across diverse institutional settings, I bridge rigorous academic research with applied strategy.

My work spans campus-wide evaluations of programs supporting first-generation, low-income students, students with disabilities, and academic policy reform. I apply both quantitative and qualitative methods—longitudinal data modeling, multivariate regression, survey validation, and thematic analysis—to uncover trends, inform equity-centered policies, and support continuous improvement.

As a scholar, I examine the psychological and structural factors that shape student outcomes in STEM education, including belonging and persistence, particularly for underrepresented and minoritized populations. My research demonstrates a commitment to methodological rigor and social impact, with publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national conferences.

I am passionate about transforming data into action. From designing culturally responsive assessments to automating institutional reporting systems, I strive to ensure that data insights translate into inclusive, student-centered change. Whether through research, analytics, or collaboration, I aim not only to measure disparities but also to help dismantle them.

 

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