Feiran Zhang is a second-year Master/PhD student in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from North Carolina State University in 2020 and her double master’s degree in Psychological Counseling/Behavioral Science in 2022 from Columbia University in New York. She is also a New York State-certified school counselor.

Prior to joining the HDFS, Feiran was a postgraduate associate at the Child Study Center at Yale University, focusing on the mental health and well-being of children and caregivers in early education settings, particularly during and after the pandemic. In addition, she was actively involved in the Bullying Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Lab at the University of Maryland with the goal of understanding immigrant families’ unique experiences and ultimately promoting teens and their families’ resilience and success.

Feiran’s research interests are the effects of parental behavior and family dynamics as well as school and community contexts on child and adolescent development among diverse social and cultural groups. Her work draws on a rich background in cognitive research, statistical analysis, and hands-on experience in educational and counseling settings. With a deep commitment to understanding the risks and protective factors in human development, Feiran aims to reduce the effects of environmental barriers that impede student success and promote well-being for children and families from all backgrounds.