Silver School Welcomes Yajing Ma as a Visiting Scholar

The NYU Silver School of Social Work is pleased to announce that Yajing Ma has joined the School as a visiting scholar for the spring 2012 semester. Ma is a lecturer in the department of social work at the China University of Mining and Technology. She has an extensive background in the policies and services related to child and family welfare. 

Ma's current research focuses on child welfare and youth development, especially in street children and left-behind children in rural China -- one result of Chinese industrialization and urbanization. While at the Silver School, Ma will work on a project comparing child welfare systems and practices between China and the United States in an effort to make recommendations to improve short- and long-term quality of care of China's left-behind children.

Ma has published over 30 papers and three books. She is currently leading two research projects funded by Jiangsu Province and six projects funded by China University of Mining and Technology.

Professor Wen-Jui Han is Ma's faculty sponsor, and says of her work, "Ms. Ma has developed a strong interest and competence in child welfare research. Her motivation in pursuing advanced study and opportunities in learning abroad from the best in the social work profession demonstrates her serious dedication, not only to being an outstanding teacher and researcher in China but also to the development of the social work profession in China."

Dean Lynn Videka says, "Faculty exchanges, such as Professor Ma's visit to the Silver School, are an important aspect of the School's increasing international focus. With the Silver School's plans to deliver MSW education in Shanghai, Professor Ma's visit represents a great opportunity for the Silver faculty, student, and alumni communities to learn more about social work in China."