Personal Statement
I am excited to apply for the PhD program in the Department of History at the University of Iowa, where I recently completed my MA in Asian Civilizations. My journey through this program has deepened my understanding of history’s vast, interconnected layers and affirmed my dedication to contributing to the academic field. While my primary focus is Chinese history, my interest extends broadly to global history and the complexities of East-West interactions. This enthusiasm, paired with a strong commitment to teaching, has driven me toward further study, aiming to present history in ways that not only engage students but also deepen our collective understanding of cultural relationships and perceptions.
My academic foundation began with a BA in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Iowa, followed by graduate studies that solidified my focus on Sino-Western relations, particularly during the Ming and Qing dynasties. My research investigates how events such as the British East India Company’s trade adjustments influenced Western perceptions of China, setting the stage for a relationship that has continuously evolved. Through this work, I aim to contextualize these economic and political shifts, examining how changing attitudes between East and West resonate in today’s global landscape. My focus is on uncovering and interpreting lesser-known perspectives that reveal the complex dynamics between historical events and cultural perceptions.
The Department of History at Iowa has offered me invaluable support and resources, nurturing both my academic growth and my commitment to contributing to our field. Studying alongside dedicated faculty and engaging with insightful classmates has been transformative. I have had the privilege of learning under Professor Shuang Chen in the History department, whose insights into East Asian history have provided me with both foundational knowledge and a deeper analytical perspective that strengthened my research. Professor Chen’s approach to historiography has been instrumental in guiding me to critically evaluate sources and draw connections between historical narratives, directly enriching my work on Sino-Western relations.
In addition, I have had the guidance of mentors across departments whose teaching philosophies have profoundly shaped my own approach to education. Professor Ronald McMullen in the Political Science department has inspired me to cultivate a learning environment that emphasizes clarity, engagement, and inclusive discussion. His structured, interactive teaching methods have provided me with tools to ensure that students can comfortably and actively engage with complex historical material. Meanwhile, Professor Mitchell Kelley in the College of Education introduced me to the student-centered methods that are now integral to my teaching philosophy. His methods demonstrated the effectiveness of fostering a classroom environment where students are not only encouraged to explore course content critically but are also given the autonomy to guide aspects of their learning.
My dedication to teaching is deeply intertwined with my research objectives. I view history as a means to understand ourselves in relation to others, and my goal as an educator is to make historical study relevant and accessible. In the classroom, I aim to facilitate discussions that connect past events with contemporary issues, encouraging students to think critically about how historical narratives shape perceptions and policies. During my MA program, I developed a teaching approach that integrates both teacher-centered and student-centered methods, inspired by my mentors and my own
experiences as a student. I strive to create a space where students feel respected and motivated, emphasizing mutual learning and collaboration. Whether delivering mini-lectures or leading group discussions, I encourage students to explore topics deeply, reinforcing their understanding through active engagement.
Beyond academia, my entrepreneurial experiences have given me a unique perspective on leadership and adaptability—essential qualities in both teaching and research. Before returning to graduate school, I owned two small businesses in Iowa City: a Chinese restaurant and a coffee shop. These ventures taught me the importance of resilience, teamwork, and communication—skills that have proven invaluable in my academic and teaching pursuits. As a business owner, I prioritized creating welcoming spaces where people could gather and connect, an ethos I now bring to the classroom. This background allows me to relate to students from various disciplines and experiences, enriching discussions with perspectives grounded in both academic knowledge and real-world experience.
Looking forward, I am eager to contribute to the Department of History as a PhD student, building on the interdisciplinary research I began during my MA. My academic and professional background aligns with Iowa’s commitment to rigorous research and community engagement, and I am excited to work alongside faculty and peers who share my dedication. The opportunity to delve deeper into East-West relations within a global historical context is both personally and professionally compelling. By investigating the nuanced relationships and narratives that shape our understanding of the past, I aim to contribute meaningful research to the field while inspiring students to approach history as a living dialogue.
In sum, I am drawn to the University of Iowa’s PhD program for its rigorous academic environment, collaborative culture, and supportive faculty. My commitment to historical inquiry and teaching motivates me to pursue advanced study in a program that values interdisciplinary research and innovative pedagogy. I am confident that Iowa’s history department is the ideal setting to further my scholarly journey and to make a meaningful impact as an educator, researcher, and advocate for a deeper understanding of our shared histories.