Dr. Maria Wong is an Associate Professor of Psychology specializing in developmental psychology. She teaches PSY 108 Human Growth and Development, PSY 201 Writing for Psychology, and PSY 136 Statistics for Behavioral and Social Sciences. Her approach to teaching is greatly shaped by her experiences being a Chinese American woman and having a multicultural background.
Dr. Wong’s Background
Dr. Wong was born and raised in Hong Kong but moved to Canada with her family where she completed her last year of high school and college. During her time as an undergraduate student, she volunteered to be a research assistant and became interested in cultural psychology and child development. After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree, she moved to the United States for graduate school. While in grad school, Dr. Wong was given the opportunity to be a teaching assistant and an instructor. She received her PhD from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Dr. Wong and her research assistants Stephanie Charney and Kelsey Krupski. They surprised her one day with a trophy that says “The Best Professor, Mentor, Advisor, and Overall Person.”
Dr. Wong’s Teaching and Research
Due to PSY 108 and PSY 201 as required courses for our psychology majors, many students know and love Dr. Wong. I have had the pleasure to be taught by her in PSY 201, work alongside her as a student assistant, and complete a teaching assistantship under her supervision. Her caring and positive personality made me so eager to learn and work with her. I can happily say she made my transition to Stevenson from community college wonderful!
Psychology Major Olivia Webb is currently taking PSY 108 with Dr. Wong. She states that Dr. Wong is full of positivity and great at explaining complicated concepts. In addition, she notes Dr. Wong keeps the class really interesting by including activities that connect the concepts being learned to real life.
Stephanie Charney has been working as one of Dr. Wong’s research assistants for the past year and states that it has been an irreplaceable experience. Dr. Wong has taught her a lot about reviewing literature, thinking critically, analyzing data, and writing effectively for large scale research projects. She offers research assistants the perfect balance of guidance and freedom when giving assignments, which students are always appreciative of.
Sarah Goranson has worked closely with Dr. Wong for all four years she has attended Stevenson. When she was a freshman, she approached Dr. Wong stating she was interested in Developmental Psychology, and Dr. Wong offered her a research assistant position. Sarah has presented a poster with Dr. Wong at the Eastern Psychological Association Conference and is currently revising a manuscript that has been accepted for publication.
In sum, Dr. Wong has shaped students experience as they work towards their undergraduate degree. Her lively approach to teaching is something that grabs her students’ attention and makes them very eager to learn. Her caring demeanor is something that does not go unnoticed, and as I’m sure many students can agree, Dr. Wong is an excellent instructor!
By: Makaylah Morton