Yunju Nam's research interests include social and economic inequality, poverty, welfare policy, child welfare, and asset-building policy for the poor. She is particularly interested in the effect of welfare reform on poor children, women, and immigrant elderly.
"I wanted to conduct research related to poverty and economic inequality. By expanding our knowledge in these areas, we can inform the development of strategies and social and economic policies that narrow the gap between the rich and the poor.
I chose social work over social sciences and public policy because of social work's focus on the capacity of the poor and the disadvantaged. I was also fascinated by social work's interdisciplinary approach to research.
"I teach classes in social welfare policies and services, research methods for social work practice, and policy analysis and evaluation. I like the interaction with students and am often enlightened by comments that stem from their personal and professional experiences."