Assistant Professor
Contact Information:
Email: sophiahw@umbc.edu
Office: Math/Psychology 304
Phone: 410.455.2370
Lab: Sondheim 412
Education:
Ph.D. – Applied Psychology, New York University, 2021
Spring 2025 Office Hours:
Area of Study:
Community Psychology
Research Interests:
Dr. Hwang’s research interests lie at the intersection of psychology, education, and human development. She conducts community-based research that aims to improve: (1) academic, social, and emotional outcomes especially for Black and Latine youth and English learners, (2) learning contexts, and (3) educator professional development. Dr. Hwang leverages quantitative and qualitative approaches to examine supportive relationships, systems change, and improvement efforts in schools.
Courses Taught:
Graduate Research and Training Opportunities:
Undergraduate Research and Training Opportunities:
Yes: Limited research opportunities available. Interested students should contact Dr. Hwang directly via email.
Graduate Program Affiliation(s):
Human Services Psychology
Selected Publications:
Hwang, S. H. J., Kieffer, M. J., & Cappella, E. (2024). The role of supportive relationships in academic performance and personal wellbeing: Results from a U.S. national sample of early adolescents. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology. 95, 1-13. https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1k2I1_4PRXuJVQ
Hwang, S. H. J., Cappella, E., Kieffer, M. J., & Seidman, E. (2024). Capturing the prevalence, patterns, and predictors of supportive relationships in early adolescence. Journal of Early Adolescence. https://journals.sagepub.com/eprint/MKUHITBIMMWWJPAQQ5YN/full
Cappella, E., Mondi, C. F., Hwang, S. H. J., & Park, C. (in press). Social and Emotional Learning of Elementary Aged Students. Invited chapter for the Handbook of Social and Emotional Learning (2nded.).
Albright, J., Worley, J., Rushworth, S., Cappella, E., Hwang, S. H. J., Testa, S., Duresso, B., Dallard, N., Banks, J., Du, C., Lawson, G., & Wolk C. B. (2024). A community-partnered process for adapting a mental health teacher consultation model for a large-scale rollout in urban schools. School Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-024-09645-x
Shapiro, V.B., Duane, A.M., Lee, M.X., Jones, T. M., Metzger, A. N., Khan, S., Harvey, C. C., Hwang, S. H. J., Malicote, B., Nuñez, A., Lee, J. McLaughlin, M., Caballero, J. A., Moore, J. E., Williams, C., Eva, A. L. Marriott, R., Ferreira, C., McVeagh-Lally, P., Kooler, J. M. & CalHOPE Research Committee (2024). “We will build together”: Sowing the seeds of SEL statewide. Journal of Social and Emotional Learning. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sel.2023.100014
Hwang, S. H. J., Cappella, E., Kieffer, M. J., & Yates, M. (2021). “Let’s hang out!”: Understanding social ties among linguistically diverse youth in urban afterschool programs. Social Development, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1111/sode.12531
Hwang, S. H. J., Watford, J. A., Cappella, E., Mui, S., Nix, J., & Yates, M. (2020). Fostering positive youth and staff development: Understanding the roles and experiences of the afterschool workforce. Journal of Community Psychology, 48(8), 2457-2473. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.22425
Hwang, S. H. J., & Cappella, E. (2018). Rethinking early elementary grade retention: Examining long-term academic and psychosocial outcomes. Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness, 11(4), 559-587. https://doi.org/10.1080/19345747.2018.1496500
Cappella, E. & Hwang, S. H. J. (2015). Peer contexts in schools: Avenues toward behavioral health in early adolescence. Behavioral Medicine, 41(3), 80-89. https://doi.org/10.1080/08964289.2015.1034646
Dr. Sophia Hwang CV – Last Updated November 2024