Dr. Rukmalie Jayakody

Biography

Rukmalie Jayakody is the Director of the online Master of Social Work program at Penn State University. She holds an extensive educational background, including a B.A. in Sociology from Boston College and multiple degrees in Sociology and Social Work from the University of Michigan, culminating in a Ph.D. in Sociology. Jayakody's academic and research interests lie in Family Development, Intervention, and Prevention, as well as Social Work Education. Over the years, she has amassed a wealth of experience as an Associate Professor within the Human Development and Family Studies department, contributing to significant social research initiatives, including her work as a Research Associate at the Population Research Institute at Penn State and as a Research Affiliate with the National Poverty Center at the University of Michigan. Her research often focuses on the influence of social policies on families and children, both in the U.S. and developing countries, employing mixed-methods research approaches. Furthermore, she has engaged in international scholarly exchanges, serving as a Visiting Scholar and Professor in Vietnam, and has been involved in various workshops and training programs that strengthen her expertise in quantitative research methods.

Research Interests

Experience