Chelsea Yi-Hsuan Kuo

Dr. Kuo began her journey at Mercy University as an adjunct faculty member at the Manhattan campus in 2009. After earning her Ph.D. from Columbia University, she became a full-time faculty member and served as the Program Director of Behavioral Science for several years before transitioning to her current role as the Program Director of Sociology.

Before joining Mercy University, Dr. Kuo was an associate researcher at Columbia University's Teachers College, working at the Center on Chinese Education under Director Mun C. Tsang. She also taught graduate courses on education and immigration at Teachers College.

A native of Taiwan, Dr. Kuo earned her bachelor's degree from National Chengchi University, followed by an M.A. from Harvard University, an Ed.M. from Teachers College, and a Ph.D. in Sociology and Education from Columbia University. Having experienced challenges due to a learning difference while growing up in Taiwan, she deeply understands the psychological stress students face. She believes that true learning happens in an environment where students feel relaxed and have mutual trust with their instructors. Her teaching style is relaxed and personable, and she values meaningful interactions with students.

Dr. Kuo’s scholarly interests include social stratification, immigration, social mobility, and parental involvement in children's education. She teaches courses such as Classics in Social and Behavioral Science, Sociology of New York, Social Inequality and Mobility, and Introduction to Sociology.