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
