Yu-Ling Chang's scholarly interests focus on the relationships among poverty, inequality and social safety net programs. Her research addresses both the process of policymaking and the consequences of public policies for economically disadvantaged populations. Her research agenda is informed by her professional experiences serving and advocating for individuals suffering economic hardship during the global economic recession in the late 2000s. Dr. Chang's current research projects investigate the General Assistance reform in Washington State, the state Unemployment Iinsurance approaches to social protection, the policy impacts of state Unemployment Insurance modernization on working families, and the multiple program participation among single mother families during and after the Great Recession.