Name: Yue Qin, Ph.D. candidate in Sociology
Hometown: Shandong, China
Educational background: B.A. in Sociology, Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China); M.A. in Sociology, Boston College
How did you first connect to your field of research?
I found my research interests in aging and health when working as a research assistant in a Chinese think tank, Guangzhou Academy of Social Sciences. The project on Guangzhou city’s public service supply led me to realize that rapid aging is becoming a great challenge to governments in Guangzhou, in China, and even around the world. Determining how to improve older adults’ life quality and equity is a critical task for policymakers, which calls for more academic studies focusing on the life and health of older adults. Growing up in China and influenced by Confucian culture, which proposed “extending your love for your aged parents to all the aged,” I decided to become a researcher in aging and health to contribute to the improvement of older adults’ well-being.
What attracted you to UW-Madison? To CDHA?
I was first attracted to UW-Madison because of its outstanding reputation in sociology, and it has cultivated numerous distinguished sociologists. During my Master’s studies at Boston College, I had the privilege of learning from Dr. Sara Moorman and Dr. Deborah Carr, both excellent sociologists and gerontologists who are alumni of UW-Madison. Their work inspired me and reinforced my belief that UW-Madison offers exceptional training and academic resources, making it my dream school for pursuing a Ph.D. When I began exploring research centers at UW-Madison, I discovered that the Center for Demography of Health and Aging (CDHA) is pivotal in aging studies, which aligned perfectly with my research interests.
What are your research interests and current research projects?
My research primarily explores how socio-economic, socio-cultural, and socio-psychological factors contribute to health inequality in later life. My first paper examines how adult children’s social mobility is associated with parents’ self-rated health in the U.S. and China, published in The Journals of Gerontology: Social Sciences. Collaborating with Dr. Jooyoung Kong and Dr. Sara Moorman, I have also published two articles (here and here) in the Journal of Applied Gerontology, which study how abuse victimization predicts individual health in later life. I draw on various data sources, including the Health and Retirement Study, China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, and High School and Beyond: 1980. In collaboration with Dr. Sara Moorman and Dr. Michal Engelman, my recent work investigates how spousal similarity in outlook on life predicts physical, psychological, relational, and cognitive well-being in later life. Additionally, working with Dr. Eric Grodsky, I am examining how the timing and context of second language learning early in life are associated with midlife cognitive health.
In what ways has CDHA impacted your graduate career? Are there any notable experiences with CDHA you will take away with you in future academic and professional endeavors?
CDHA has benefited me in many ways. First, I greatly appreciate the demographic training seminars and academic talks funded or co-funded by CDHA, which have provided valuable resources for my professional development and expanded my perspective on cutting-edge research. Second, CDHA has offered me many opportunities to network with scholars in aging studies and collaborate on research projects, such as with Dr. Michal Engelman, Dr. Jooyoung Kong, and Dr. Eric Grodsky. I’ve also had the opportunity to take courses and learn from several CDHA affiliates, including Dr. John Mullahy, Dr. Shaneda Warren Andersen, and Dr. Sigan Hartley. Numerous other CDHA affiliates have provided insightful feedback on my research, such as Dr. Felix Elwert, Dr. Christine Schwartz, and Dr. Lauren Schmitz—I wish I could mention more names, but this answer would be very long. Finally, I am truly grateful for the funding opportunities provided by CDHA, such as the generous conference travel grant, which has allowed me to attend conferences like GSA and RC28.
How does your work relate to the Wisconsin Idea?
The Wisconsin Idea, which asserts that education should influence people’s lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom, aligns well with my research and social engagement. My work aims to provide solid empirical evidence that can inform policymaking for improving health in later life. Additionally, my research, in collaboration with other scholars, has been featured in outlets like the Wisconsin State Journal, helping people better understand their life experiences. I also manage a social media account on a Chinese online platform where I share insights from my classes, research findings, and readings. This platform has gained attention, with over 1,600 subscribers. Popular topics include “How to care for our aging parents,” “Hidden curriculum for college students,” “Sociological book reviews,” and “Ph.D. study diaries.” These social engagements have empowered me, and I am determined to contribute more and expand my influence, drawing on the knowledge I have gained.
What’s one thing you hope people who are exposed to your research will come away with?
I hope to raise people’s awareness about health inequalities in later life, which are influenced by a range of biological and social factors and can accumulate across the life course. While we all wish for our families, friends, and loved ones to live long, healthy lives, numerous factors can lead them to experience suffering, illness, poor health, and even premature death. It is essential for us to better understand the underlying mechanisms of unequal health and longevity, and work towards helping people around the world live longer, healthier lives.
What future plans and aspirations do you have once you have completed your time at UW-Madison?
After earning my Ph.D. in Sociology, I aspire to obtain a tenure-track position at a research university where I can continue my research on aging and health. I hope my work will not only contribute to the academic field but also provide empirical evidence to benefit policymaking, ultimately promoting the well-being of older adults. In addition to my academic career, I am passionate about public engagement and would like to apply my expertise in real-world settings.
What are some hobbies and interests that occupy your time outside of your academic work?
In my daily life, I take pleasure in reading, particularly novels and ethnographies, which allow me to dive into different perspectives and cultures. I also enjoy watching films, with a particular preference for action-packed movies and lighthearted comedies that help me unwind. Traveling is another passion of mine, as I love exploring both beautiful natural landscapes and creatively designed human-made environments. I also enjoy spending time with good friends, engaging in deep conversations or just having fun. In the future, I would love to attend more concerts and sports events, as well as engage in physical activities on a more regular basis.