Overview
Background
An experienced researcher with a multi-disciplinary training background, Ning is a Research Fellow in the Inclusive Education and Employment research group at ISSR.
Ning has strong expertise in delivering multi-year collaborative research projects, including complex mix-method evaluation projects (e.g., the national evaluation of the Australian Government’s Paid Parental Leave scheme and a follow-up ARC Linkage Project, funded by the Department of Social Services).
Ning has also significantly contributed to a number of projects funded by Department of Education at federal and state levels and though various research grant schemes, utilising data from LSIC, LSAC, LSAY and HILDA to investigate the impacts of a range of factors (e.g., individual, family, school and community) on disadvantaged students’ outcomes, such as socio-emotional wellbeing, academic achievement, university participation and graduate labour market outcomes.
Ning has specialist expertise in literature review, constructing theoretical framework to guide data analyses, data preparation, management, screening and analysis, which she has applied to great effect in these projects. Ning has a track record of successfully delivering accessible and policy informing documentation. She also specialises in longitudinal data analysis, and has published extensively on school climate, student engagement, and long-term education and labour market outcomes for students from equity groups.
Availability
- Dr Ning Xiang is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Economics, Beijing University of Technology
- Masters (Coursework) of Education, Peking University
- Masters (Coursework) of Science, London School of Economics and Political Science
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Educational Equity and Student Outcomes
My work examines the structural, school, and family factors shaping students’ academic pathways, wellbeing, and long-term outcomes, with a strong focus on educational equity. I use longitudinal survey and linked administrative data to identify how socio-economic background, regionality, and school climate influence learning and transitions. This research informs state and federal policy and contributes to evidence-based strategies that support disadvantaged and under-represented students.
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Indigenous Education and Culturally Safe Schooling
I investigate the experiences and outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people, particularly in their transitions through school. My work centres Indigenous-defined success, cultural safety, and strengths-based perspectives, drawing on quantitative analysis of LSIC and linked datasets. I collaborate closely with Indigenous advisors to ensure respectful interpretation and culturally grounded evidence to inform policy and systems change.
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Student Engagement, Wellbeing, and School Climate
My research explores how student engagement—behavioural, emotional, and cognitive—interacts with school climate and effective teaching practices to shape learning and wellbeing. I have contributed to multiple large-scale evaluations for education departments investigating belonging, attendance, and engagement drivers across diverse student groups. This work provides practical insights for improving classroom practices, school culture, and targeted student supports.
Works
Search Professor Ning Xiang’s works on UQ eSpace
2022
Book Chapter
Differences in higher education access, participation and outcomes by socioeconomic background: a life course perspective
Tomaszewski, Wojtek, Perales, Francisco, Xiang, Ning and Kubler, Matthias (2022). Differences in higher education access, participation and outcomes by socioeconomic background: a life course perspective. Family dynamics over the life course: foundations, turning points and outcomes. (pp. 133-155) edited by Janeen Baxter, Jack Lam, Jenny Povey, Rennie Lee and Stephen R. Zubrick. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-12224-8_7
2021
Other Outputs
Diverging Labour-Market Trajectories of Australian Graduates from Advantaged and Disadvantaged Social Backgrounds: A Longitudinal Analysis of Population-Wide Linked Administrative Data
Zając, Tomasz, Tomaszewski, Wojtek, Perales, Francisco and Xiang, Ning (2021). Diverging Labour-Market Trajectories of Australian Graduates from Advantaged and Disadvantaged Social Backgrounds: A Longitudinal Analysis of Population-Wide Linked Administrative Data. LCC Working Paper Series. 2021-21. Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane.
2021
Journal Article
Understanding access to higher education amongst humanitarian migrants: an analysis of Australian longitudinal survey data
Perales, Francisco, Xiang, Ning, Hartley, Lisa, Kubler, Matthias and Tomaszewski, Wojtek (2021). Understanding access to higher education amongst humanitarian migrants: an analysis of Australian longitudinal survey data. Higher Education, 84 (2), 373-397. doi: 10.1007/s10734-021-00772-x
2021
Other Outputs
Sense of belonging at school in Australia: The relevance of student, school, family, and community factors, prepared for the NSW Department of Education
Xiang, Ning, Perales, Francisco and Tomaszewski, Wojtek (2021). Sense of belonging at school in Australia: The relevance of student, school, family, and community factors, prepared for the NSW Department of Education. Brisbane: Institute for Social Science Research.
2021
Other Outputs
Drivers of attendance - Mediation analysis, Report prepared for the NSW Department of Education
Rankin, Peter, Xiang, Ning and Tomaszewski, Wojtek (2021). Drivers of attendance - Mediation analysis, Report prepared for the NSW Department of Education. Brisbane: Institute for Social Science Research.
2021
Other Outputs
Drivers of attendance report, prepared for the NSW Department of Education
Xiang, Ning, Rankin, Peter and Tomaszewski, Wojtek (2021). Drivers of attendance report, prepared for the NSW Department of Education. Brisbane, QLD Australia: Institute for Social Science Research.
2021
Journal Article
The benefits and penalties of formal and informal flexible working-time arrangements: evidence from a cohort study of Australian mothers
Xiang, Ning, Whitehouse, Gillian, Tomaszewski, Wojtek and Martin, Bill (2021). The benefits and penalties of formal and informal flexible working-time arrangements: evidence from a cohort study of Australian mothers. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 33 (14), 1-22. doi: 10.1080/09585192.2021.1897642
2021
Other Outputs
Learning through COVID-19: What do children, young people and families say about needs, and impact of COVID-19?: Pillar 2 Report
McDaid, Lisa, Povey, Jenny, Tomaszewski, Wojtek, Cleary, Anne, Plage, Stefanie, Cook, Steffi, Xiang, Ning, Zajac, Tomasz, Ridgway, Tyrone and Western, Mark (2021). Learning through COVID-19: What do children, young people and families say about needs, and impact of COVID-19?: Pillar 2 Report. Learning through COVID-19 St Lucia, QLD, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2021
Journal Article
Investigating the drivers of higher education expectations among students from low and high socio-economic backgrounds in Australia
Tomaszewski, Wojtek, Huang, Yangtao, Xiang, Ning, Flesken, Anaid, McCourt, Brianna and McCarthy, Ian (2021). Investigating the drivers of higher education expectations among students from low and high socio-economic backgrounds in Australia. International Journal of Educational Research, 109 101822, 101822. doi: 10.1016/j.ijer.2021.101822
2021
Other Outputs
School-level factors improving outcomes for regional, rural and remote students: evidence from two cohort studies
Xiang, N., Perales, F., Johnstone, M. and Tomaszewski, W. (2021). School-level factors improving outcomes for regional, rural and remote students: evidence from two cohort studies. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Institute for Social Science Research.
2021
Other Outputs
Mid-term post-graduation outcomes of bachelor’s degree holders. Implications for equity policy
Zajac, Tomasz, Tomaszewski, Wojtek, Perales, Francisco and Xiang, Ning (2021). Mid-term post-graduation outcomes of bachelor’s degree holders. Implications for equity policy. Brisbane, QLD Australia: Institute for Social Science Research.
2020
Other Outputs
Understanding access to higher education amongst humanitarian migrants: a longitudinal analysis of Australian survey data
Perales, Francisco (Paco) , Xiang, Ning , Hartley, Lisa, Kubler, Matthias and Tomaszewski, Wojtek (2020). Understanding access to higher education amongst humanitarian migrants: a longitudinal analysis of Australian survey data. LCC Working Paper Series. 2020-31. Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland.
2020
Other Outputs
Investigating the effects of cumulative factors of disadvantage: Final report
Tomaszewski, Wojtek, Kubler, Matthias, Perales, Francisco, Clague, Denise, Xiang, Ning and Johnstone, Melissa (2020). Investigating the effects of cumulative factors of disadvantage: Final report. Brisbane, Australia: Institute for Social Science Research.
2020
Other Outputs
Learning through COVID-19: Outcomes and risk factors for children at risk of educational disadvantage: Evidence from secondary data analysis: Pillar 1: Technical Supporting Report 7 of 7
Xiang, Ning, Kubler, Matthias, Tomaszewski, Wojtek, Vaithianathan, Rhema, Western, Mark, Staton, Sally, Thorpe, Karen and Johnstone, Melissa (2020). Learning through COVID-19: Outcomes and risk factors for children at risk of educational disadvantage: Evidence from secondary data analysis: Pillar 1: Technical Supporting Report 7 of 7. Learning through COVID-19 St Lucia, QLD, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2020
Other Outputs
Young Achievers Program - future directions
Kubler, Matthias, Tomaszewski, Wojtek, Western, Mark, Johnstone, Melissa and Xiang, Ning (2020). Young Achievers Program - future directions. Brisbane, Australia: Institute for Social Science Research.
2020
Other Outputs
Transitions out of tertiary education and equity
Tomaszewski, Wojtek, Perales, Francisco, Xiang, Ning, Zając, Tomasz, Tran, Nam and Clague, Denise (2020). Transitions out of tertiary education and equity. Brisbane, QLD Australia: Institute for Social Science Research.
2020
Other Outputs
Transition costs: improving young people's career choices and post-school pathways
Cardak, Buly, Lin, Jaslene, Kubler, Matthias, Polidano, Cain, Tomaszewski, Wojtek and Xiang, Ning (2020). Transition costs: improving young people's career choices and post-school pathways. Brisbane, Australia: Institute for Social Science Research.
2020
Book Chapter
Schools and career guidance key to widening university participation
Tomaszewski, W., Perales, F. and Xiang, N. (2020). Schools and career guidance key to widening university participation. 25 Years of LSAY: Research from the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth. (pp. 64-68) edited by Cameron Forrest and Charlotte Scobie. Adelaide, SA, Australia: National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).
2019
Other Outputs
Investigating HE Expectations and Engagement of Low-SES Students. Report prepared for the NSW Department of Education
Tomaszewski, Wojtek, Huang, Yangtao and Xiang, Ning (2019). Investigating HE Expectations and Engagement of Low-SES Students. Report prepared for the NSW Department of Education. Brisbane: Institute for Social Science Research.
2019
Journal Article
Beyond graduation: socio-economic background and post-University outcomes of Australian graduates
Tomaszewski, Wojtek, Perales, Francisco, Xiang, Ning and Kubler, Matthias (2019). Beyond graduation: socio-economic background and post-University outcomes of Australian graduates. Research in Higher Education, 62 (1), 26-44. doi: 10.1007/s11162-019-09578-4
Funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Ning Xiang is:
- Available for supervision
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Media
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