Yao Wang

Dr. Yao Wang is an assistant professor of social work at the University of Texas at Arlington. She aims to make meaningful impacts on transition-age youth (TAY) with foster care history by conducting rigorous research and partnering with local communities and agencies who serve this population. Her work includes a recently published study examining the social and personal relationships among TAY with foster care history from the perspectives of child welfare workers and service providers (Wang & LaBrenz, 2025). Using the same interview data with child welfare professionals, she also recently examined the gaps in services and policies regarding the process of transitioning out of care. Dr. Wang intentionally integrates her research into teaching and mentorship activities. Since joining the faculty at the UTA School of Social Work, she has actively worked with two MSW students on her research projects. As a Child Welfare Research Center (CWRC) Faculty Affiliate, Dr. Wang will contribute her research expertise and collaborate with faculty and community partners to better support children and families involved in the child welfare system.