Zhao, Pengfei
Assistant Professor
School of Human Development and Organizational Studies in Education
College of Education
University of Florida
265H Norman Hall
PO Box 117049
Gainesville, FL 32611
Phone number: 352-273-4295
pzhao@coe.ufl.edu
Research Biography
I have an interdisciplinary background in inquiry methodology, sociology, and cultural studies. In my theoretical and methodological work, I draw from a wide spectrum of theories—from critical theories to contemporary pragmatism, feminism, and post-colonial studies—to formulate a praxis- and social justice-oriented qualitative research methodology. In my empirical work, I primarily use ethnographic, narrative, and action research approaches to address issues of universal significance, such as disadvantaged youth’s coming of age experience, student-centered teaching and learning, and sexuality education.
Degrees
Ph.D. in Inquiry Methodology, 2017
Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
M.A. in Literary Theory, 2009
Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
B.A. in Chinese Language and Literature, 2006
Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
Key Professional Appointments
Assistant Professor, Research and Evaluation Methodology Program, University of Florida, 2019 – present
Instructor & Research Consultant, Inquiry Methodology Program, Indiana University Bloomington, 2017 – 2019
Associate Instructor, Inquiry Methodology Program, Indiana University Bloomington, 2011 – 2017
Activities and Honors
Illinois Qualitative Distinguished Dissertation Award (Traditional Category), International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry, the U.S.A., 2019
International Institute for Qualitative Methodology PhD Dissertation Award, International Institute for Qualitative Methodology $2,000 CAD, Canada, 2017
Trentham Travel Award (twice), Indiana University ($300 each), 2013 and 2014
Grants
Phase II Scholarships of Teaching and Learning, Indiana University ($5000, with Barbara Dennis, Peiwei Li & Karen Ross), 2015
Phase I Scholarships of Teaching and Learning, Indiana University ($2500, with Barbara Dennis, Peiwei Li & Karen Ross), 2013
Selected Publications
(*indicates equal co-authorship)
Books
Zhao, P., K. Ross, P. Li & B. K. Dennis*. Making Sense of Social Research Methodology: A Student- and Practitioner-Centered Approach. (Under Contract with Sage Press, expected publication in 2020).
Chapters in Books
Li, P., K. Ross, P. Zhao & B. K. Dennis (2017). “Critical Action Research: How do Graduate Students in an Introductory Research Class Conceptualize ‘Research’?” In SAGE Research Methods Cases. Access from: http://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781473989115
Journal Articles
Ross, K., B. K. Dennis, P. Zhao & P. Li (2017). “Exploring Graduate Students’ Conceptions of Research: Links Between Identity, Validity, and Research Conceptions.” International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 29(1), 73-86.
Zhao, P., P. Li, K. Ross & B. K. Dennis (2016). “Methodological Tool or Methodology? Beyond Instrumentality and Efficiency with Qualitative Data Analysis Software.” Forum: Qualitative Social Research. Access from: http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs1602160
Zhao, P. (Under review). “Working the Hyphens in an Authoritarian State: Adding the State Back to the Conversation.” International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education.
Zhao, P., L. Yang, Z. Sa & X. Wang (Under review). “Propriety, Empowerment and Compromises: Challenges in Addressing Gender among Sex Educators in China.” Sex Education: Sexuality, Society and Learning.
