Qianzi Walker
Dallas
Summary
Policy-track MSW student at Columbia School of Social Work focused on mental health policy, with experience in policy analysis, qualitative research, and systems-level evaluation across academic, community, and governmental settings. Seeking federal policy exposure to support future work in national mental health policy and public service.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Policy & Research Practicum Analyst
The Senior Source
Dallas, TX
11.2025 - Current
- Conducted pass/fail testing of assistive robotic systems to evaluate usability and accessibility for neurodivergent and older adult populations
- Developed policy briefs and written recommendations to improve environmental and system-level neurodivergent accessibility in institutional settings
- Analyzed a randomized sample of fifty elder financial exploitation cases to identify systemic patterns of risk, prevention, and intervention
- Contributed to a multidisciplinary policy analysis on family-led elder financial exploitation, with a focus on inheritance impatience and undue influence
- Applied systems and policy lenses to assess gaps in regulatory, legal, and service coordination frameworks affecting vulnerable older adults
- Translated case-level findings into policy-relevant insights and recommendations for program and system improvement
Online Student Representative
Columbia School of Social Work Student Union
New York, NY
10.2025 - Current
- Represented online MSW students in student union meetings, communicating concerns and priorities related to academic and institutional policies
- Collected and synthesized student feedback to inform discussions with student leadership and school administration
- Participated in governance processes addressing program structure, access, and student support systems
- Contributed to institutional dialogue between students and administration within a formal governance framework
Graduate Research Assistant
Defend Harlem– Action Lab of Social Justice
New York, NY
09.2025 - Current
- Conducted literature reviews on housing justice, community displacement, and social policy to support advocacy and policy development
- Contributed to grant writing by synthesizing research evidence and framing policy-relevant arguments
- Supported development of funding proposals by aligning program goals with grant requirements and policy priorities
- Assisted in translating academic research into accessible language for policy and community advocacy use
Editorial Board Member
Columbia Social Work Review
New York, New York
09.2025 - 12.2025
- Reviewed manuscript submissions addressing social work practice, policy, and structural issues
- Offered critical feedback on analytical framing, use of evidence, and policy relevance
- Collaborated with editorial board members in evaluating submissions and shaping publication decisions
Graduate Research Assistant – Generational Bridges
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles, CA
02.2024 - 09.2025
- Worked under the supervision of Dr. Lene Levy-Storms on the Generational Bridges research project
- Conducted comprehensive literature reviews on ageism, aging policy, and intergenerational engagement in the United States
- Analyzed and synthesized national-level resources and programs addressing ageism across health, social service, and community systems
- Contributed to research assessing policy gaps and opportunities in addressing age-based inequities
Graduate Research Assistant – ReEvoluTion Project
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles, CA
03.2023 - 05.2024
- Worked under the supervision of Dr. Todd M. Franke on the ReEvoluTion research project
- Designed structured interview instruments for agency staff providing therapeutic and support services to formerly incarcerated individuals
- Conducted qualitative research focused on service delivery models, institutional practices, and systemic barriers affecting reentry and mental health support
- Contributed to research examining how organizational structures influence therapeutic engagement and outcomes for justice-involved populations
Assistant Researcher (under Prof. Cedric T. Chou)
Southrock Leadership Incubator
Los Angeles, CA
12.2021 - 03.2022
- Worked under the supervision of Prof. Cedric T. Chou on leadership development and policy-relevant research initiatives
- Supported research and analysis related to leadership frameworks, civic engagement, and institutional development
- Contributed to research synthesis and program development within a leadership-focused incubator setting
Vice President of Public Relations
Associated Students of Berkeley City College (ASBCC)
Berkeley, CA
08.2019 - 02.2020
- Led external communications and coordinated institutional messaging for student government initiatives
- Participated in governance meetings and supported student representation within college administrative structures
Student Delegate
Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC)
Berkeley, CA
08.2019 - 02.2020
- Represented community college students at the state level, participating in discussions related to education policy and student advocacy
- Engaged in governance processes involving system-wide student representation and institutional decision-making
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Columbia University School of Social Work
New York05-2027
Bachelor of Arts - Asian Studies
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA03-2023
Associate of Arts - Economics
Berkeley City College
Berkeley05-2021
Skills
- Policy analysis and policy brief writing
- qualitative research
- literature review
- case-based analysis
- program evaluation
- stakeholder communication
- interdisciplinary collaboration
Certification
- First Aid Certification
- RBT Certification
- Child Abuse Identification and Reporting
Languages
Chinese (Mandarin)
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Policy & Research Practicum Analyst
The Senior Source
11.2025 - Current
Online Student Representative
Columbia School of Social Work Student Union
10.2025 - Current
Graduate Research Assistant
Defend Harlem– Action Lab of Social Justice
09.2025 - Current
Editorial Board Member
Columbia Social Work Review
09.2025 - 12.2025
Graduate Research Assistant – Generational Bridges
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
02.2024 - 09.2025
Graduate Research Assistant – ReEvoluTion Project
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
03.2023 - 05.2024
Assistant Researcher (under Prof. Cedric T. Chou)
Southrock Leadership Incubator
12.2021 - 03.2022
Vice President of Public Relations
Associated Students of Berkeley City College (ASBCC)
08.2019 - 02.2020
Student Delegate
Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC)
08.2019 - 02.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Asian Studies
University of California, Los Angeles
Associate of Arts - Economics
Berkeley City College
Master of Science - Social Work
Columbia University School of Social Work