Yanchen Zhang joins the University of Iowa College of Education this fall as an assistant professor in the School Psychology program. 

Zhang graduated from the School Psychology program at the University of Washington-Seattle before receiving a doctorate from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities in 2019. Before becoming a Hawkeye, he was an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. 

Zhang’s research focuses on the intersection of prevention, intervention, and implementation science about evidence-based programs and practices for the mental health of diverse school populations. He also works on behavioral statistics, psychological technology and cross-cultural psychology, including current collaborations with 14 countries. 

Professionally, Zhang is most proud that his research is being used to make a real-life impact on student mental health in schools across the nation. 

Zhang decided to teach due to his belief in the train-the-trainer model. 

“I want to follow my mentors to promote and diversify the next generation of scientist-practitioners in health service psychology” says Zhang. 

The University of Iowa is appealing to Zhang because of the well-established legacy of the School Psychology program and the emphasis on research, teaching, and services on school mental health. 

In his new position, Zhang is most excited about the wealth of opportunities to work with his colleagues in the College of Education, especially the new Scanlan Center for School Mental Health. 

This fall, Zhang is teaching a course on the social and emotional assessment of children and adolescents.