Background

Liyun Zhang is an educational psychologist and the director of trainer development and research at the Children’s Law Center, University of South Carolina School of Law. She oversees the curriculum development process in the CLC and the evaluation of CLC training programs, supports the growth and development of staff trainers, and collaborates with staff on research projects. Zhang also provides consultation and assistance to the Joint Citizens and Legislative Committee on Children related to data to inform the decision making of policy makers and partner agencies.

In the past 10 years, she has taught master’s and doctoral level courses on educational research, human growth and development, and undergraduate courses on educational psychology for pre-service teachers. Her research skills include large scale data analysis, survey design and analysis, hierarchical linear modeling, structural equation modeling, and qualitative data analysis. Her research interests involve the application of appropriate research approaches to issues related to child well-being, education, and psychology.

Zhang is the recipient of the Joan K. Gallini Outstanding Educational Psychology Doctoral Award in 2016, and the Outstanding Doctoral Student Award in 2017 from the Department of Educational Studies, University of South Carolina College of Education. She holds a doctoral degree in educational psychology and research.

Education

• Ph.D., Educational Psychology and Research, University of South Carolina
• M.A., English Linguistics and Literature, Huaqiao University, China
• B.A., English, Huaqiao University, China