Name in Native Language: 黃芯芯

Department: Social Work

Country of Origin: Taiwan

Language(s) Spoken Other Than English: Taiwanese and Mandarin

Areas of Research Interest: Trauma, women's issues, spirituality

How Long Have You Been in the U.S.? Since 1990

How Long Have You Been at SIUE? Since 2010

What Do You Like Most About SIUE? Everybody is so friendly. I feel very comfortable here.

What Do You Find To Be the Biggest Difference Between the U.S. and Your Home Country? The food. There is a lot of food that I like to eat that I can't find here. Also, communication- in Asia people are more indirect, but people in the U.S. are more open and direct. There is also more encouragement for women's independence and professional development in the U.S.

Interesting Facts:

I'm small but I like to pig out! I'm small in stature, but mighty in appetite.

Have you considered teaching or conducting research in your country of origin?

Yes, I was offered a position in but I decided to stay in the U.S. instead due to my expertise in trauma and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is still in the beginning stage of development in Taiwan. However, I hope to explore opportunities and partnership for teaching and research in Taiwan.

What do you think would be the main difference?

Students are more compliant in Asia; students are used to studying harder in Taiwan and they don't question authority. It is not like that in the U.S., but students here are more creative.

Have you worked or studied in American universities other than SIUE?

Yes, I got my Masters at Wash U, my PhD at UMSL, and I've taught in 3 other universities in St. Louis.

Do you find students at SIUE fairly knowledgeable of your country of origin?

No, many students confuse Taiwan with China but the political systems are very different. There are also cultural issues when it comes to communication styles, especially in the field of mental health. People have stereotypes and biases; they assume that a female Asian doesn't know anything about the mental health of, say, a Caucasian male.