About HEPA Lab
Higher Education, Psychology, and Policy Analysis Laboratory
Our Mission
Our mission is to generate rigorous, evidence-based research that informs higher education policy and practice, while advancing psychological understanding of learning, development, and well-being in educational contexts.
Our Vision
We envision a higher education system that is equitable, effective, and supportive of all learners—where policy decisions are grounded in psychological science and research evidence, and where every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.
Our History
HEPA Lab was founded in 2025 by Dr. Yundong Wu with a small team of graduate researchers. What began as a focused study on student motivation has grown into an interdisciplinary laboratory with over 15 researchers, multiple funded projects, and partnerships with universities and government agencies worldwide. Today, HEPA Lab continues to expand its impact through cutting-edge research, policy engagement, and training the next generation of educational researchers.
Research Focus
Our research spans three interconnected domains: (1) Higher Education Policy—analyzing funding models, assessment policies, equity initiatives, and their implementation; (2) Educational Psychology—studying motivation, cognition, well-being, engagement, and learning processes; (3) Policy Analysis—bridging research and practice through evidence-based policy recommendations, program evaluation, and impact assessment.
Our Approach
We employ a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative analysis (large-scale surveys, experimental designs, meta-analyses) with qualitative inquiry (interviews, case studies, narrative research). Our interdisciplinary team brings together expertise in psychology, education, public policy, and data science to address complex educational challenges from multiple perspectives.
Affiliations
HEPA Lab is affiliated with leading academic institutions and research networks. Our researchers hold appointments at partner universities and collaborate with the Ministry of Education, National Science Foundation, and international research consortia. We are also a member of the Global Education Research Network and the Association for Psychological Science.