As a survey researcher for Boston College’s Center for Thriving Children, Nan Yang finds great joy in seeing the positive impact her work can have on children and families.
“Whenever I think about the chain reaction from what I find in the data to how we actually help kids, that makes me very happy,” Yang said.
Yang oversees the Center’s primary data collection efforts, developing everything from surveys and questionnaires to interviews and focus groups. She analyzes the data she collects from teachers, principals, community partners, and coordinators in City Connects schools to understand where the work is having an impact and what improvements can be made.
“Sometimes when you do research you feel like you are so far away from the practice. You are making some theoretical suggestions, but how far is that from being implemented in school and really helping a kid? What I love most about my job is that the distance isn’t that far,” Yang said. “I collect data from people, I bring those data to my colleagues who work with schools, and then sometimes you see those changes happen.”
Yang brings a meticulous eye to all her projects, ensuring that every survey is high quality, valid, reliable, and asking all the right questions.
“What sets Nan apart is not just her technical skill, but the way she thinks with and for others. She listens deeply, resists easy conclusions, and takes the time to understand where different perspectives are coming from before deciding how to move forward. That combination of discernment, respect, and warmth is rare. It creates trust, strengthens collaboration, and leads to better work,” said Yan Leigh, Director of Research and Evaluation at the Center for Thriving Children.
As a member of the Center’s Research and Evaluation team, Yang plays a big role in identifying new research topics as well, from digging through decades of survey data to find any interesting trends that have not yet been discovered to exploring new areas where a better understanding of City Connects’ impacts can be developed. For example, Yang and her colleague, Haibin Jiang, recently submitted a grant proposal to study the impact of City Connects on English Language Learners and their families, a project where Yang’s background in linguistics would play a part.
Before coming to the Center for Thriving Children, Yang completed her doctorate in Second Language Studies at the University of Cincinnati. Her dissertation focused on how second language learners of English use language while transitioning into their new environment. She also worked at the University of Cincinnati’s Evaluation Services Center, where she gained a wealth of experience in survey development and primary data collection.
Yang completed her undergraduate degree in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language at Hebei University of Technology before earning a master’s in Teaching English as a Second Language/Applied Linguistics from Pennsylvania State University.
When applying for her role at the Center for Thriving Children, Yang felt her background in mixed methods research methodologies, data collection, and survey research aligned perfectly with the job description. But it was really the mission and vision of City Connects that drew her to the role.
“The City Connects model not only recognizes and helps children address the challenges in their lives, it also acknowledges their strengths and connects them to resources to support their overall development. That really struck me. It made me really want to be a part of this team,” Yang said.
Yang joined the team in 2023 and has already made a big impact.
“As a leader in our survey research and broader program of studies, Nan holds both the big picture and the details with equal care. She makes the people around her better, and that has a lasting impact on our team,” said Leigh.
“Everyone here has a different background and different responsibilities, but we all share the same pride in working for this team to support each and every child’s development,” Yang said.
