Dr. Zhang’s research focuses on understanding how the complex interactions of economic resources, community contexts, and public policies affect parental behaviors and child well-being. Her goal is to advance effective, culturally competent policy and practices to prevent child maltreatment and to support families in need, particularly low-income, racial/ethnic minority, and immigrant families. She is engaged in three primary areas: (1) examining the impact of economic inequality and instability on parenting behaviors and children’s mental health; (2) exploring community and neighborhood determinants of child maltreatment and child welfare involvement; (3) assessing the influence of public policies on parental behaviors and child and family well-being.