This post is part of a series of interviews with our incoming class for the “Virtue & Happiness” 2016 Summer Seminar. Indrawati Liauw a third–year doctoral student at the Stanford Graduate School of Education, with a specialization in Developmental and Psychological Studies.
Valerie Wallace: Where are you from?
Indrawati Liauw: I was born in Indonesia, raised in Singapore, and have been in the United States for my post-graduate education since 2011 – first at the University of Rhode Island and now at Stanford University.
VW: Tell me about your research.
IL: My research interests are in moral development and moral education. I am particularly interested in compassion and aim for my research to find answers to the question – “what are good ways to help children and youth cultivate compassion?” I am currently a graduate research assistant in the Stanford Center on Adolescence. Some of the research projects that I worked on examined youth civic engagement and youth entrepreneurship. Currently I am studying the development of gratitude in middle school students. I am also interested in the development of moral character in both religious and non-religious settings.
My interest in compassion lies in my belief that it is a character strength that can be fostered and developed over time. I believe that education of the heart and mind are equally important for personal and interpersonal well-being. After all, humans are social beings!
VW: What are you most looking forward to about this summer’s Virtue & Happiness seminar?
IL: I have always been interested in moral philosophy but haven’t had the opportunity to learn more. Thus, I am really looking forward to delving into this domain during the summer institute. I am also very keen to interdisciplinary research collaborations with fellow participants.
VW: What are your non-academic interests?
IL: For fun, I like to travel, cook and spend time with my family and friends. I go home to Singapore for a few weeks every summer, which I really love – it is always nice to not work for a bit, and just relax!
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