Hsin-Yu Chen

Hsin-Yu Chen holds a Ph.D. in Leisure and Human Behavior with a specialization in Anthropology from The Pennsylvania State University. Her academic experience has provided her with an integrative, multidisciplinary framework for approaching the dynamics of human behavior in complex sociocultural contexts. She has been working on research projects that explore the sociocultural meanings, ideologies, values, and ramifications of skin color (e.g., as related to race, class, social inequality, body image, and gender), which has implications for identity, health-related behavior and outcomes, and social interactions, including racism and colorism. Recognizing the importance of applying knowledge to a broad range of real-world situations, Hsin-Yu is working with Dr. Nina Jablonski and a team of researchers at a leading multinational cosmetics and beauty company to establish a theory-driven framework for integrating social science perspectives and approaches for research and innovation. Currently, she is expanding her social science background and research experience here at the University of Pennsylvania to encompass new approaches, theoretical knowledge, and transferable programming skills in the computer science and information technology field in order to develop a more comprehensive understanding of how people and social phenomena adjust to a rapidly digitizing world.

Education

publications

Presentations

• Chen, H-Y., & Jablonski, N. G. (2021) Not “Fair” Anymore: Exploring Public Opinions About Globe Cosmetic Corporations’ Responses to The #BLM Movement. The Society for the Study of Social Problems (Virtual) Annual Meeting. August 4-7.
• Chen, H-Y., & Liu, Y. (2020). “Everyone has their own cross to bear, right?” Capturing the Complexities of Navigating Bicultural Contexts. Society for Cross-Cultural Research Conference. Seattle, WA, US. February 26-29.
• Chen, H-Y., Chick, G., Yarnal, C., & Jablonski, N. G. (2020). Is getting “darker” the same as “more tanned”? Views on melanin production from sociocultural perspectives. Society for Cross-Cultural Research Conference. Seattle, WA, US. February 26-29.
• Chen, H-Y., Jablonski, N. G., & Chick, G. (2019). “If you could choose…” Attitudes toward Skin Color and Makeup Foundation Shade Choices in Daily Contexts: A Cross-Cultural Study. Society for Cross-Cultural Research Conference. Jacksonville, FL, US. February 13-17.
• Chen, H-Y., & Liu, Y. (2019). “Our culture” and “their culture”: A comparative case study on the challenges of living in-between two cultures. Society for Cross-Cultural Research Conference. Jacksonville, FL, US. February 13-17.
• Chen, H-Y., Jablonski, N. G., Chick, G., & Yarnal, C. (2018). Exploring the role of acculturation in attitudes toward skin color aesthetics and associated behaviors. Society for Applied Anthropology. Philadelphia, PA, US. April 3-7.
• Chen, H-Y., Jablonski, N. G., & Chick, G. (2018). A cross-cultural comparison of attitudes toward skin color and sun-related behaviors. Society for Prevention Research. Washington, DC, US. May 29-June 1.
• Chen, H-Y., Chick, G., Yarnal, C., & Jablonski, N. G. (2018). Examining colorism and associated behaviors among African-American female college students. The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. Pittsburgh, PA, US. June29-July1.
• Chen, H-Y., Jablonski, N. G., Chick, G., & Yarnal, C. (2018). Attitudes toward skin color and sun-related behaviors: A cross-cultural Study. The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues. Pittsburgh, PA, US. June29-July1.
• Chen, H-Y. (2017). Invited Presentation. Exploring the perceptions of skin color and sun-related behavior among African American female college students. Workshop at the Africana Research Center at the Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. February, 13.
• Chen, H-Y., Chick, G., Jablonski, N. G., & Yarnal, C. (2017). To tan or not to tan: Exploring cultural perceptions of skin color and sun-related behaviors among Chinese American and Chinese American Adoptee Women. Society for Cross-Cultural Research Conference. New Orleans, LA, US. March 1-4.
• Chen, H-Y., Yarnal, C., & Bram, B. (2017). Heightening college students’ awareness of substance use patterns. Poster presented at The 99th National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Annual Conference. San Antonio, Texas, US. March 11-15.
• Chen, H-Y., Chick, G., Jablonski, N. G., & Yarnal, C. (2014). Cultural differences in skin color preferences and women’s leisure behavior. Poster presented at The 16th Canadian Congress on Leisure Research (CCLR). Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, May 21-23.
• Yarnal, C., & Chen, H. (2014). Integrating high-impact scholarship into a large general education class. The 15th Annual Engagement Scholarship Consortium Conference (ESC). Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. October 7-8.
• Chen, H-Y., Yarnal, C., Chick, G., & Jablonski, N. G. (2014). “I don’t want to get tanned”: Cultural perception of lighter skin color and East Asian women’s constraints for outdoor activities. World Leisure Congress. Mobile, Alabama, US. September 7-12.
• Chen, H-Y., & Yarnal, C. (2014). Exploring U.S. college students’ perceptions of health-related lifestyles. World Leisure Congress. Mobile, Alabama, US. September 7-12.
• Chen, H-Y., & Yarnal, C. (2014). Exploring U.S. college students’ perceptions of health-related lifestyles. World Leisure Congress. Mobile, Alabama, US. September 7-12.
• Yarnal, C., & Chen, H-Y. (2013). Addressing alcohol use in the classroom context: Promoting student reflection on leisure time use. Addressing Alcohol Symposium, University Park, PA. October, 17.

HONORS & AWARDS

• Grace Hopper Celebration Scholarship (2022)
• Society for Cross-Cultural Research International Scholar Award (2020)
• Society for Cross-Cultural Research Travel Award Recipient (2017)
• Drs. Albert and Lorraine Kligman Graduate Fellowship (2016-2017)
• College of Health and Human Development Dissertation Research Endowment Fund (2016)
• Herberta M. Lundegren Graduate Scholarship (2015-2016)
• College of Health and Human Development Graduate Scholarship (2013 – 2015)
• Africana Research Center Grant Recipient (2014)
• 1 ^st Prize Poster Award The 15th International Engagement Scholarship (2014)
• University Graduate Fellowship -- The Pennsylvania State University (2012-2013)
• College of Education Graduate Scholarship -- Florida State University (2009-2011)
• Phi Tau Phi Scholastic Honor Society Honorary Member