Gloria is dedicated to making a lasting impact through her research, writing, and advocacy, striving to create a more inclusive and equitable world​.

Gloria Zhou is a master’s student at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research, where she is pursuing a degree in survey and data science with a concentration in social science. Gloria’s academic and professional pursuits are driven by her passion for social psychology, LGBTQ+ studies, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

After earning an associate degree in 2007, Gloria worked full-time to support her family while simultaneously completing a rigorous self-study program that led to a bachelor’s degree in English linguistics and literature with a minor in business administration in 2014 from Shanghai International Studies University. In 2022, Gloria enrolled in an undergraduate psychology program in the US, where she took on an ambitious course load and excelled academically. Her determination to succeed was particularly evident when she completed her bachelor’s degree with high distinction, despite facing significant personal challenges. Following her move to the United States, she found fulfillment as a camp counselor and volunteered with organizations such as Make-A-Wish and Children’s Project. These experiences reinforced her desire to return to academia and make a meaningful impact in her field.

Currently, Gloria aims to become a leading researcher in social psychology, focusing on developing intersectional approaches to LGBTQ+ studies. She is committed to using her education and experiences to address social, educational, and economic disparities. In addition to her academic goals, Gloria plans to author a collection of books that inspire others who face similar struggles and to continue her involvement in community service, particularly in supporting marginalized groups. With fluency in multiple languages and a multicultural background, Gloria brings a distinctive perspective to her work. She is dedicated to making a lasting impact through her research, writing, and advocacy, striving to create a more inclusive and equitable world​.

CEW+ recognizes Gloria’s persistence and names her an Irma M. Wyman Scholar.