LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work has announced Xiafei Wang, Ph.D., will be appointed as Associate Professor this fall. Wang brings international experience, and a research portfolio focused on behavioral health, trauma, and resilience to the College.
Wang’s research focuses on three key areas: identifying behavioral health outcomes associated with childhood trauma, examining the intergenerational transmission of trauma, and understanding the factors that promote resilience and post-traumatic growth. Her work is rooted in a strong translational approach, with an emphasis on partnering with behavioral health organizations to support program development and evaluation.
Most recently, Wang was a faculty member in the School of Social Work at Syracuse University and was promoted to tenured Associate Professor in 2025. Receiving both her Master’s and Ph.D. in social work from The Ohio State University, Wang resided in Columbus, Ohio from 2012-2019.
“Dr. Wang’s research on trauma and resilience, along with her commitment to community-engaged scholarship, aligns deeply with our mission,” said Dr. Jackie Duron, Associate Dean of Faculty Advancement. “Her interdisciplinary and global perspective will be an asset to our students and faculty.”
Originally from China, Wang earned her LL.B. in Social Work and M.A. in Social Work and Social Policy from Peking University in Beijing, where she also completed a Human Rights Law Diploma from Peking University Law School and Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian law. Following her studies, Wang served as a Legal Protections Intern at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Outside of academia, Wang enjoys collecting bunny-themed art and believes bunnies bring good luck—and joy—to her and her family. She enjoys traveling internationally, including a recent trip to Japan’s Meigetsuin Temple.