Yikang Zhang, Ph.D.

Postdoc

Main Focus

Yikang Zhang has a broad research interest in topics at the intersection of human decision-making and evolutionary sciences. Specifically, his past and ongoing projects include research on memory processes, intergroup relations, norm psychology, and fundamental research on human sexuality. Several research lines also have an applied angle, focusing on the improvement of crime prevention policies and intelligence gathering techniques in the justice system.
In his latest appointment at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, he aims to combine re­search in social psychology, evolutionary biology, and criminology to study how peers influence teenagers’ and young adults’ delinquent decision-making in various contexts.

Curriculum Vitae

Professional Appointments

  • Since 2024: Postdoctoral researcher, Department of Criminology, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, Freiburg, Germany
  • Since 2024: Adjunct researcher, Maastricht University, the Netherlands

Professional Experience

  • 2021–2024: Ph.D. candidate in psychology (Maastricht University, the Netherlands)
  • 2021–2023: Adjunct research associate (New York University Shanghai, China)
  • 2020: Teaching assistant (East China Normal University)

Education

  • 2021–2024: Ph.D. (legal psychology), Maastricht University, the Netherlands (supervisors: Henry Otgaar, Marko Jelicic, Jianqin Wang)
  • 2018–2021: M.Ed. (applied psychology), East China Normal University, China (supervisor: Yongfang Liu)
  • 2014–2018: B.B.A (accounting), Southeast University, China

Project

Peer Dynamics Project

Heads of project: Jean-Louis van Gelder, Yikang Zhang
Relationships with friends and peers play a pivotal role in shaping our behavior and decisions, whether positive or negative. Research consistently shows that these social bonds exert a powerful influence on individual choices, especially during adolescence and early adulthood. Peers provide information… more

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