UT Social Work doctoral students Cheng Chow andXiaoyi Zeng have both been awarded an Outstanding Graduate Research Fellowship, marking the seventh consecutive year that multiple students nominated by the School of Social Work have been selected for the award.
The continuing fellowships, which are awarded by The Graduate School at The University of Texas at Austin, are presented to doctoral students who demonstrate a well-defined program of research and an exceptional record of accomplishments. The fellowship includes a 12-month stipend, health insurance assistance and tuition assistance.
“Cheng and Xiaoyi are two outstanding doctoral students who are conducting meaningful, impactful research, and I’m so proud of their deserved recognition. Cheng and Xiaoyi are phenomenal scholars and even better humans who exemplify the excellence our doctoral students bring daily.” said Dr. Yessenia Castro, professor and associate dean for doctoral education at Texas Social Work. “I am equally proud that this is the seventh consecutive year that our doctoral program has had both of its nominees selected for this prestigious fellowship. We develop world-class scientists at UT Social Work, and I’m so excited to see how they’ll impact society and change lives.”
As a social work researcher, Cheng studies social policy, marginalization and discrimination, particularly around immigration and health care issues. He brings lived experience to his research, including his work as community outreach coordinator supporting immigrant integration serving as a regional migration health officer at the International Organization for Migration. His work has appeared in journals such as Social Science & Medicine and Health Policy.
“I’m honored to received an Outstanding Graduate Research Fellowship because it allows me greater freedom to study pressing issues in social policy and health,” said Chow. “It’s truly amazing to receive support to study topics that matter in our society. I’m grateful to the University for this fellowship and look forward to delivering more impactful research that advances social work.”
Zeng, a community social worker and former caregiver herself, studies gerontology and topics such as fall-risk management for older adults with dementia, social isolation, and providing support to caregivers. She recently received the Graduate School Office of Career and Life Design’s 2026 Reimagining Professional Development Award, where she is studying the needs of an aging workforce.
“An award like this is a significant development for a doctoral student like me, and it helps validate the work that I am doing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults,” Zeng said. “I appreciate the University recognizing the power of this work, investing in it, and believing in the change that we can make from my research.”