Associate professor/Social Work at Appalachian State University, United States
Dr. Jenny C. Tonsing 🎓 is a distinguished scholar and Associate Professor of Social Work at Appalachian State University, with a profound commitment to social justice, mental health, and refugee welfare 🌍. With a Ph.D. from Royal Holloway, University of London, and multiple master’s degrees, she has cultivated over a decade of international academic and research excellence 📚. Her impactful studies focus on domestic violence, psychological resilience, and cultural dynamics among marginalized communities, particularly South Asian and Burmese populations 🧠👩🏽👧🏽👦🏽. Dr. Tonsing has published prolifically in high-impact journals and presented at global conferences, earning respect as a thought leader in trauma-informed care and gender equity 🚺. She serves as a peer reviewer for numerous journals and is actively involved in shaping future social work practices through conferences and collaborative projects 🤝. Her scholarly voice bridges cultural insight with empirical rigor, making her a beacon in social work research and advocacy 💡🌱.
Professional Profile
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Education 🎓📘
Dr. Jenny C. Tonsing’s educational voyage is a testament to her relentless pursuit of knowledge and social impact. She earned her Ph.D. in Social Work from Royal Holloway, University of London 🇬🇧, following a robust academic foundation that includes two master’s degrees—one in Social Work and another in Psychology. Her educational path is marked by interdisciplinary learning and global exposure, fostering her expertise in cross-cultural social issues 🌏. She also holds certifications in trauma-informed practice and mental health, reflecting her dedication to bridging theory with real-world transformation 🧠✨. Her academic accomplishments are not only deeply rooted in research excellence but also in cultivating empathy, ethics, and advocacy. With a rich educational portfolio blending South Asian insight with Western scholarship, Dr. Tonsing has emerged as an intellectual pioneer equipped to challenge systemic inequities through socially conscious inquiry and teaching 🧑🏽🏫📖.
Professional Experience 👩🏽🏫🌍
Dr. Jenny C. Tonsing brings over a decade of dynamic professional experience in academia, social work, and community empowerment. Currently serving as an Associate Professor of Social Work at Appalachian State University 🏞️, she has previously held academic roles across continents, including Asia and the United Kingdom, which have deeply enriched her global perspective. Her roles extend beyond teaching—she is a mentor, a curriculum innovator, and a cross-cultural facilitator who bridges classroom theory with community practice 🤝💬. In addition to academic responsibilities, Dr. Tonsing has led numerous field initiatives focusing on refugee well-being, domestic violence prevention, and psychosocial support in vulnerable populations 🏠🧍🏽♀️🧍🏽♂️. Her ability to navigate diverse sociopolitical settings and adapt strategies for culturally relevant interventions underscores her as a pragmatic changemaker. Her professional legacy is rooted in compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to social equity 🔍❤️.
Research Interests 🔬📊
Dr. Jenny C. Tonsing’s research pursuits are deeply woven into themes of trauma, gender equity, refugee resilience, and transnational identities 🌐👩🏽⚕️. She explores how individuals and communities navigate adversity within socio-cultural contexts, particularly focusing on South Asian and Burmese populations. Her work delves into pressing topics such as intimate partner violence, psychological well-being, migration stress, and culturally grounded mental health interventions 🧠💔🏳️. Combining qualitative depth with empirical clarity, she advocates for trauma-informed approaches that honor lived experiences while contributing to academic discourse. Dr. Tonsing’s studies not only identify systemic gaps but also propose actionable frameworks for social workers and policymakers alike 🧾📚. Her intersectional lens and collaborative methodologies make her scholarship both transformative and inclusive. Driven by a passion to inform policy and uplift underserved voices, she continues to challenge conventional paradigms in mental health and human rights research ⚖️💡.
Awards and Honors 🏅🎖️
Dr. Tonsing’s stellar contributions have earned her numerous accolades, cementing her as a leader in social work research and education. She has been honored for excellence in teaching, global engagement, and research innovation across her academic journey 🎓🌟. Her scholarly articles have received recognition in peer-reviewed journals, and she frequently receives invitations as a keynote speaker at international symposia and academic summits 🌍🎤. Moreover, she has been commended for her advocacy efforts in domestic violence prevention and refugee support, both in academic and humanitarian circles. As a reviewer for prestigious journals and a collaborator in funded projects, her professional reputation continues to flourish 🔍📈. These awards not only celebrate her academic merit but also reflect her commitment to societal change. Through each honor, Dr. Tonsing inspires both her students and peers to pursue justice, inclusivity, and intellectual rigor in all dimensions of social work 🌱👏.
Conclusion 🌟📌
Dr. Jenny C. Tonsing embodies the synergy of intellect, empathy, and advocacy. Her journey—from scholar to changemaker—reflects a rare dedication to illuminating the lives of marginalized communities through both education and action 🌏📚. Whether in the classroom, the field, or through rigorous research, she has consistently upheld a vision of equity, compassion, and evidence-based solutions 💼🧠. With an expansive academic background, rich professional experiences, and impactful scholarship, Dr. Tonsing continues to shape the landscape of social work globally. Her voice resonates in areas where silence once prevailed, championing the rights of the voiceless and paving pathways for systemic transformation 🚀🔊. As an educator, mentor, and advocate, she inspires a generation of socially conscious professionals to think critically, act ethically, and dream boundlessly 🌈🕊️. In every sphere she touches, Dr. Tonsing exemplifies what it means to lead with both heart and purpose.
Publications Top Notes
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Title: Understanding the role of patriarchal ideology in intimate partner violence among South Asian women in Hong Kong
Authors: JC Tonsing, KN Tonsing
Year: 2019
Citation: 124
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Title: Psychological distress, coping and perceived social support in social work students
Authors: M Vungkhanching, JC Tonsing, KN Tonsing
Year: 2017
Citation: 105
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Title: Intimate partner violence in South Asian communities: Exploring the notion of ‘shame’ to promote understandings of migrant women’s experiences
Authors: J Tonsing, R Barn
Year: 2017
Citation: 78
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Title: Acculturation, perceived discrimination, and psychological distress: Experiences of South Asians in Hong Kong
Authors: KN Tonsing, S Tse, JC Tonsing
Year: 2016
Citation: 43
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Title: Domestic violence: Intersection of culture, gender, and context
Authors: JC Tonsing
Year: 2016
Citation: 42
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Title: Domestic violence, social support, coping and depressive symptomatology among South Asian women in Hong Kong
Authors: KN Tonsing, JC Tonsing, T Orbuch
Year: 2021
Citation: 32
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Title: Conceptualizing partner abuse among South Asian women in Hong Kong
Authors: JC Tonsing
Year: 2014
Citation: 32
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Title: Complexity of domestic violence in a South Asian context in Hong Kong: Cultural and structural impact
Authors: JC Tonsing
Year: 2016
Citation: 17
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Title: Exploring South Asian women’s experiences of domestic violence and help-seeking within the sociocultural context in Hong Kong
Authors: KN Tonsing, JC Tonsing
Year: 2019
Citation: 16
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Title: Help-seeking behaviors and practices among Fijian women who experience domestic violence: An exploration of the role of religiosity as a coping strategy
Authors: J Tonsing, R Barn
Year: 2021
Citation: 13
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Title: A study of domestic violence among South Asian women in Hong Kong
Authors: J Tonsing
Year: 2014
Citation: 11
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Title: A mixed-method study of stress and coping strategies among university social work students in the United States
Authors: KN Tonsing, JC Tonsing
Year: 2022
Citation: 10
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Title: Using ecological model to understand intimate partner violence
Authors: J Tonsing
Year: 2011
Citation: 8
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Title: A Study of Domestic Violence among the South Asian in Hong Kong
Authors: JC Tonsing
Year: 2010
Citation: 8
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Title: Prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among university students: A cross-sectional study
Authors: KN Tonsing, JC Tonsing
Year: 2023
Citation: 6
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Title: Fijian women’s experiences of domestic violence and mothers’ perceived impact of children’s exposure to abuse in the home
Authors: J Tonsing
Year: 2020
Citation: 6
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Title: Exploratory Study of the Resettlement Experiences of Burmese Refugees Children in the USA
Authors: JC Tonsing
Year: 2021
Citation: 2
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Title: Beliefs about mental health and barriers to psychological help-seeking among Burmese refugees: A mixed-method inquiry
Authors: KN Tonsing, JC Tonsing
Year: 2025
Citation: 1