Qiang Chen

Dr. Chen joined the Social Work faculty in 2025. He has experience working with children and adolescents in underserved and minority communities, where he led the development and management of programs that uphold children's rights to safety and education. He holds a master’s degree in Sociology from Peking University, an MSW with a macro concentration, and a PhD in Social Welfare from the State University of New York at Albany. He taught for seven years in both the BSW and MSW programs at Missouri State University. His research focuses on social work field education, professional ethics, and social work practice in China.

My Siena Experience

My Teaching Philosophy

I believe learning should be engaging, relevant, and transformative, with students actively exploring, reflecting, and applying knowledge in real-world contexts. As a social work educator, I emphasize experiential methods such as case studies, role-play, and dialogue, balanced with clear structure and guidance that foster self-awareness, critical thinking, and professional values. Teaching is both a responsibility and a privilege, and I am committed to supporting each student’s growth through a learner-centered approach grounded in the core values of the profession.

What I Love About Siena

What I love most about Siena is the strong sense of community - you can really feel that both students and staff are valued as people. I’m also inspired by the Franciscan tradition that recognizes the worth of every individual and encourages us to live in service to others. And the beautiful campus makes it an even more special place to be every day.

My Favorite Courses to Teach

I will be teaching my first course at Siena this coming Fall, so I look forward to discovering which courses become my favorites here. In the past, however, I especially enjoyed teaching Introduction to Social Work. It gave me the chance to re-examine the profession through fresh eyes, and I loved how students—whether they were social work majors or simply exploring—brought diverse perspectives and ideas. Listening to their thoughts about social work, their career aspirations, and watching their personal and professional growth has been one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.

My Professional Experience

Current Research

 Social work field education, professional ethics, and social work practice in China