Edwin Lin

Edwin Lin is a Continuing Lecturer in the Sociology Department at the University of California, Berkeley. He specializes in migration studies, globalization, and cultural interactions, with a focus on Chinese migrant communities in South Africa. His research employs Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach to analyze migration as a development strategy.

Education:

• PhD in Sociology, UC Berkeley (2014)
• MA in Sociology, UC Berkeley (2010)
• MABTS in Bible and Theological Studies, Western Seminary (2020)
• BA in Development Studies, UC Berkeley (2006, magna cum laude)

Research Interests: Chinese migrant shopkeepers in South Africa, migration and development linkages, cross-cultural communication, social media impacts, and globalization’s cultural implications.

Teaching & Experience: Teaches courses on development, globalization, migration, and research methods. Has extensive experience as a high school debate coach and speaker on cross-cultural parenting issues.

Awards:

• 2009 Jacob K. Javits Fellowship
• 2006 Phi Beta Kappa Membership
• 2006 Outstanding Thesis Award

Grants & Labs: Conducted six months of fieldwork in South Africa (2012), co-authored an Oxford Bibliography on immigration, and contributed to teaching workshops for international professionals.