Member Spotlight: Angela Chow, Ph.D.

Why did you decide to choose Developmental Science as a course of study or career? Who or what inspires you and why (and/or who/what inspired you to go into your chosen field of study)? 

My interest in Developmental Science started early, sparked by a curiosity—not just about how kids performed in school, but how those experiences seemed to shape who they became. As a child, I noticed that while some of my peers thrived academically, others excelled in different ways. Yet the messages we received from adults often emphasized academic success above all else. I began to wonder how these early expectations and school experiences might influence our happiness later in life. That question deepened during my graduate and postdoctoral training and grew into a strong commitment to studying how early environments and life transitions shape mental health trajectories over time. Developmental Science provided the lens I needed to explore these complex, evolving processes.

What advice would you give to a Graduate student beginning their Ph.D. studies in Developmental Science or a related field? 

I have had the privilege of working with many accomplished scholars from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. Despite variations in training and research approaches, they all shared one key quality: a deep passion for their work. That passion served as a driving force behind their scholarly growth and impact. For graduate students beginning their Ph.D. studies in Developmental Science or related fields, it can be valuable to pursue research topics that spark genuine interest. Grounded in that interest, graduate students may find it easier to set both short- and long-term goals and to identify the training opportunities and resources needed to achieve them. In addition, cultivating collaborations and building a strong network of mentors and peers with shared interests can provide essential support and momentum for continued scholarly development.

What is your Best SRCD memory?

One of my most memorable SRCD moments happened during the 2023 conference, when the Asian Caucus hosted a networking event that I helped organize as part of the Outreach and Communications Subcommittee. I remember looking around the room—filled with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and senior scholars—and feeling deeply moved by the energy and connection in the space. During the event, a doctoral student approached me and shared that, as a first-time attendee, they were surprised and grateful to find a space where they did not feel the urge to explain their background or research interests. We have stayed in touch since then, and I was thrilled to hear that they plan to attend the Asian Caucus events at the SRCD 2025 Conference in Minnesota. That conversation, and the ongoing connection, reminded me why spaces like the Asian Caucus matter—where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to keep going. It is moments like that which make SRCD, and especially the Asian Caucus, feel like an academic home.

Why did you join the Asian Caucus and how does it facilitate connection among members all year long?

I joined the Asian Caucus because I was looking for an academic home—a place where I could feel anchored, supported, and connected with others who share similar research interests and lived experiences. Over time, the Asian Caucus has become exactly that for me. It fosters a strong sense of community while advancing research on child and youth development. Through in-person events at SRCD conferences, virtual programs, and resource-sharing efforts, the Asian Caucus offers meaningful ways for members to connect, grow, and stay engaged throughout the year. These activities span a wide range of topics—from specific research areas and methodologies to professional development, career navigation, and networking—fostering both scholarly growth and lasting friendships.