Dr. Grace Kao

Biography

Grace Kao is the IBM Professor of Sociology at Yale University, where she also holds a courtesy appointment in the field of Ethnicity, Race, and Migration. She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Chicago in 1997 and has since conducted extensive research focusing on racial, ethnic, and immigrant differences in educational outcomes, particularly during the transition to adulthood. Her work further explores themes of interracial friendships and romantic relationships, highlighting the sociology of music with an emphasis on K-Pop and the broader Korean Wave. Dr. Kao has authored numerous articles and books on these subjects, including 'Diversity and Transition to Adulthood in America' (2022) and 'Company Keep: Interracial Friendships and Romantic Relationships from Adolescence to Adulthood' (2019). In addition to her teaching and research, she has served in leadership roles such as Past Vice-President of the American Sociological Association and held board positions with the Population Association of America and the Association for Asian American Studies. Dr. Kao is also a regular columnist for The Korea Herald, writing about K-Pop and sociological topics.

Research Interests

Courses