Who’s Who: Dorothy Chin, PhD

(she/her/hers)

Education & Training: Stanford University, A.B. (Human Biology)

University of Hawaii, M.A., Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology)

Los Angeles County & University of Southern California Hospital (Internship)

Current Positions: Associate Research Psychologist, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles; Professor, Santa Monica College

Research Expertise/Interests: Race-Based Trauma; Post-Traumatic Growth; Culturally-Based Methodology

Self-Care Activities: Swimming, New York Times Puzzles, Hiking, Dancing

What led you to this field and/or career path?

I began my post-graduate years with a love for the process of research and discovery; it almost didn’t matter what I was investigating. It wasn’t until later in my career that I coupled my research with what has essentially been my life’s preoccupation — social justice issues. Throughout my undergrad years and beyond, I marched, advocated, protested, wrote op-articles about things that seemed unjust to me, but for some reason I kept that separate from my professional life. When George Floyd was murdered and anti-Asian sentiment rose during the pandemic, I decided to make a change in my approach. In my research, I focused more deeply on race-based trauma and discrimination, and I joined DIV 56 as a way to enact my values more practically and directly. In this capacity I feel more engaged and enjoy being part of the community. I also write a blog for Psychology Today, which allows me to put my thoughts out there in a more creative way. I find that the blog reaches a much bigger audience than research articles!

How do you keep your life in balance?

As a single mother of twin boys, teenagers now, keeping a balance is definitely a challenge. Luckily, my kids are wonderful and very supportive of me, and they are a huge source of joy in my life. In addition, I love sports, both participating and watching (my boys will attest that I actually yell at the TV during heated games!), and I love to swim and hike. Being in nature soothes me. I also love to dance, especially to 70’s disco and funk (let’s have a DIV56 dance party during APA, y’all!).

What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?

If there’s one thing I would advise to younger professionals (and maybe this is far too simplistic and obvious), it’s to have your values and love reflected in your work. If you do that, you can’t lose or fail.

Dorothy Chin, PhD
Associate Research Psychologist
Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior
University of California, Los Angeles
Member-At-Large, APA Div 56 (Trauma Psychology)
Psychology Today Blog: A Different Lens
dchin@ucla.edu