Qin Fang

Qin Fang is an Associate Professor of History in the Department of History & Art History at McDaniel College, where she teaches courses on East Asian history, gender, environment, and cultural studies. Her academic work bridges historical research with experiential learning, including student-led fieldwork in China.

Education:

• Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 2009
• M.A., Fudan University, 1997
• B.A., Anhui Normal University, 1994

Her research focuses on the social and cultural history of Ming-Qing China, particularly gender, food, hydraulic systems, material culture in Jiangnan, and Chinese martial arts. She integrates traditional practices such as calligraphy and ink painting into her scholarly methodology, viewing them as tools for interpreting classical Chinese texts.

Her recent publications explore cultural representations in iron painting, transnational artistic exchanges, and the digital preservation of genealogies. These works reflect a broader interest in how local identities are shaped through material culture and historical memory.

Scientific Awards:

• Summer McDaniel Student-Faculty Research (2016–2019)
• Faculty Grant Award (2015, 2011)
• ASIANetwork Student-Faculty Grants (2015, 2011)
• Tiehua in Europe Faculty Research Grant (2012)
• Global Initiative Grant (2013, returned)

She has led multiple student-faculty research trips to China, particularly on iron painting in Wuhu, supported by ASIANetwork. These projects involve collaboration with Anhui Normal University and Anhui Polytechnic University. She also leads January Term travel courses to major cultural sites such as the Great Wall, Grand Canal, and Suzhou gardens, with plans to explore Taiwan. She is actively involved in academic and community organizations, including the Association of Asian Studies, ASIANetwork, and the Wuhu Iron Painting Association.

She is a member of the Taiji Friendship Club of Greater DC Region and continues to engage with martial arts and traditional practices as part of her scholarly and personal life.