Graduate School Marshal Qingyang Liu is set to graduate on May 11 with a doctorate in human development and family science. She was recently awarded the Chancellor’s Citation for Excellence in Graduate Research at the One University Awards. Liu discussed her experiences over the past five years at Syracuse University, highlighting her accomplishments and future plans.
Liu was attracted to Syracuse University by its emphasis on rigorous research and the opportunity to work with Dr. Rachel Razza, a leading scholar in self-regulation research. “I was intentional about finding a program and mentor that supported both high-quality scholarship and meaningful community impact, and Syracuse offered the ideal environment to pursue both,” said Liu.
Her studies focus on understanding childhood self-regulation in the context of early poverty-related stressors. Liu utilizes advanced statistical methods to identify critical periods when tailored interventions can have the most significant impact on vulnerable populations. Her research highlights the interaction between stressors and family dynamics, particularly among racially and ethnically minoritized families.
During her time at Syracuse, Liu has published 25 peer-reviewed papers and developed a research program examining how poverty-related adversities shape children’s self-regulation. She used data from national studies and community interventions to explore self-regulation pathways for underserved youth.
Liu also emphasized the importance of Syracuse University’s role in her development as a scholar. “What has been most meaningful is how Syracuse University has fostered my interdisciplinary and community-engaged scholarship,” she said, noting collaborations with faculty across various disciplines.
Being named the Graduate School’s Class Marshal is a significant honor for Liu, representing years of dedication and community support. “This milestone reflects the collective support that has carried me through,” she stated.
Post-graduation, Liu will begin a postdoctoral position at Arizona State University, continuing her research on poverty-related adversity and children’s development, while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams and community partners. “I carry the mentorship, training, and values I gained at Syracuse University with me into this next chapter,” Liu commented.
