Dr. Xu received her PhD in Developmental Psychology from the University of Missouri. Her research expertise is in family relationships and child social emotional development. Before joining Â鶹ֱ²¥, Dr. Xu was a Senior Policy Researcher at Vanderbilt University, where her work focused on examining the effectiveness of child care policies on families, children, and early educators. Dr. Xu’s clinical interests focus on the legacy of early experiences and its impact on individuals’ health outcomes and life trajectories. Her clinical background lies in working with court-mandated clients as well as clients who struggle with addiction.
Dr. Xu serves the co-chair on the Advisory Committee of , a statewide suspension and expulsion prevention program implemented by Oregon Early Learning & Care. It is her career goal to integrate developmental science, public policy, and clinical practice in promoting the wellbeing of families and children living in local communities.
Professional Experiences
Â鶹ֱ²¥, Assistant Professor, 2025-Present
, Senior Policy Researcher, 2022-2025
, Policy Fellow, 2021-2022
Education
Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology, University of Missouri-Columbia, 2022
M.A. in Counseling Psychology, University of Denver, 2017
B.B.A in Finance, Investment & Banking, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2013
Areas of Research Expertise
Child Development, Social Emotional Development, Developmental Neuroscience, Family Relationships, Attachment, Reminiscing, Parenting, Early Childhood Education, Child Care Policies,
Teaching
GPSY 600 Development
GPSY 687 Clinical Consultation Seminar
GPSY 731 Career Counseling
Professional Affiliations
: 2015-Present