Martin Kern is the Joanna and Greg Zeluck ’84 P13 P18 Professor in Asian Studies at Princeton University. He specializes in ancient Chinese literature, philology, and textual studies, with a focus on poetry, ritual, and cultural memory. Kern co-edits T'oung Pao and directs the "International Center for the Study of Ancient Text Cultures" at Renmin University, Beijing. Education: Ph.D. in Sinology, Cologne University M.A. in Sinology, Cologne University His research spans early Chinese rhetoric, authorship debates, manuscript analysis, and the intersection of writing/orality. He has led Princeton's "Comparative Antiquity" initiative (2018–2022) and co-directs the Princeton-Venice Summer School in Classical Chinese. Recent publications include studies on the Classic of Poetry , Chuci , and Zuozhuan , emphasizing newly discovered manuscripts and their impact on understanding ancient Chinese textuality. His work often bridges philological rigor with comparative theoretical frameworks. Scientific Awards: Member of the American Philosophical Society President of the American Oriental Society (2023–2024) Kern's editorial roles include co-editing the monograph series Studies in the History of Chinese Texts and the Handbook of Oriental Studies: Section 4 China . He has held leadership positions in major academic initiatives on ancient China.
Edward L. Shaughnessy serves as the Lorraine J. and Herrlee G. Creel Distinguished Service Professor in Early Chinese Studies and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations at the University of Chicago. A renowned scholar of ancient China, he specializes in archaeologically recovered texts from the Zhou dynasty period (c. 1045-249 BCE), particularly bronze inscriptions, bamboo-slip manuscripts, and the classical texts Zhou Yi (I Ching), Shang Shu, and Shi Jing. His research interests focus on the intersection of archaeological discoveries and literary traditions, with particular expertise in bronze inscriptions and the Zhou Yi. Shaughnessy has pioneered efforts to bridge Western and Chinese scholarly traditions, publishing extensively in both English and Chinese. He has written seven volumes of technical scholarship in Chinese and is currently leading an international team translating Tsinghua University's fourth-century BCE bamboo-slip manuscripts. His recent scholarly output shows strong trends in paleographic studies, with numerous publications analyzing newly excavated manuscripts. His work demonstrates a consistent focus on textual transmission, historical context, and the relationship between archaeological evidence and received literary traditions. Notable patterns include systematic analysis of bamboo-slip manuscripts, comparative studies of textual variants, and interdisciplinary approaches combining philology, archaeology, and historical analysis. Shaughnessy has received recognition through his appointment as a Distinguished Service Professor, one of the highest academic honors at the University of Chicago. His scholarly contributions have significantly advanced the field of early Chinese studies through both original research and editorial work. As an educator, Shaughnessy teaches seminars on oracle-bone inscriptions, bronze inscriptions, bamboo-strip inscriptions, and courses on the Yi jing, Shi jing, and Shang shu. He serves as Director of Graduate Studies for the department and has supervised numerous graduate students. His current and upcoming courses include 'The Ji Zhong Discovery,' 'The Development of Early China Studies in the West,' 'Western Zhou Bronze Inscriptions,' 'The Shang shu,' and 'The Shi jing.' Shaughnessy maintains an active research program with current projects including the translation of Tsinghua University's bamboo manuscripts and serving as co-editor of the journal Bamboo and Silk. His scholarly network extends internationally, as evidenced by his 2013 lecture series at the Collège de France titled 'Unearthing the Chinese Classics,' where he presented on the Zhou Yi, Shang Shu, Shi Jing, and Laozi.
Michele Matteini serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Art History at New York University's College of Arts and Science, specializing in Late Imperial Chinese painting and material culture (ca. 1400-1800) with focus on Qing dynasty antiquarianism, collecting practices, and eighteenth-century transnational artistic exchanges. His academic credentials include: Ph.D. (2012) in History of Art from the Institute of Fine Arts M.A. (2004) in History of Art from New York University B.A. (2000) summa cum laude from the University of Venice, Ca’ Foscari Research interests encompass Late Imperial Chinese painting, antiquarianism, collecting culture, Qing history, urban culture, inter-Asian artistic exchanges, eighteenth-century globalism, craft traditions, embodied knowledge, and art historical methodology. His interdisciplinary approach bridges anthropology, religious studies, and art history to examine material culture across East Asia. Recent publications reveal consistent thematic focus on eighteenth-century material practices, analyzing antiquarian objects, historical figure cults, and cross-cultural artistic production. Works integrate art historical analysis with anthropological perspectives on topics like rock collecting, filial piety, and sacred materiality, demonstrating how objects functioned within social and global contexts. His scholarly recognition includes: The Andrew Mellon Foundation Fellowship for Assistant Professors, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton (2013-2014) Ittleson Fellowship, Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts, National Gallery of Art (2007-2009) Panofsky Distinguished Fellowship, Institute of Fine Arts, New York University (2002-2007) Matteini's research has been supported by major fellowships from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and National Gallery of Art. While current advising activities and grant projects beyond these fellowships are not detailed in available sources, his extensive publication record indicates sustained scholarly productivity focused on East Asian material culture.
Zhiqiang Yu serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Comparative Literature at Baruch College's Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, City University of New York. With over two decades of teaching experience, he has established himself as a dedicated educator specializing in Chinese language, cinema, and civilization courses. Education: Ph.D. in Chinese, University of Washington M.A. in Asian Civilization, University of Iowa B.A. in Chinese Literature, Fudan University (Shanghai) Professor Yu's research focuses on innovative approaches to Chinese language pedagogy, with particular interest in applying economic principles and artificial intelligence to language teaching. His work bridges traditional linguistic scholarship with modern educational technology, examining how efficiency, resource allocation, and technological advancements can enhance language learning outcomes. His research spans Chinese linguistics, dialectology, cinema studies, and cultural elements in language teaching. His publication record reveals a consistent trajectory toward optimizing language instruction through systematic analysis. Recent work increasingly focuses on AI applications in language education and the economic framework of pedagogical efficiency. His scholarship demonstrates a progression from traditional linguistic analysis toward innovative teaching methodologies that incorporate modern technological and theoretical frameworks. Scientific Awards: Award of Excellent Academic Research Reviewer from Journal of International Chinese Education (2016) Graduate Teaching Fellowship from University of Washington (1993) Graduate Teaching Fellowship from University of Iowa (1989) Graduate Research Fellowship from University of Iowa (1988) Student Excellency Award from Fudan University (1984) Professor Yu has served extensively on departmental committees including as Department Assessment Coordinator and Secretary of the Asian and Asian-American Studies Committee. He has organized numerous academic events featuring prominent Chinese cultural figures and has contributed to developing Chinese language curriculum resources including online placement tests. His professional service extends to editorial work for CUNY publications and Chinese language training for the New York Police Academy. He maintains active involvement with multiple professional organizations including the American Name Society, American Oriental Society, American Society of Geolinguistics, Association for Asian Studies, and Chinese Language Teachers Association, frequently presenting at international conferences on Chinese language pedagogy.
Dr. Agnes Hsu-Tang is an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University’s Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures, specializing in archaeology and art history with a focus on cultural heritage and transnational trade routes. She holds a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and has served in prestigious roles including Board Chair of The New York Historical Society and Co-chair of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Objects Conservation Committee. Her academic contributions span UNESCO missions, international film collaborations, and co-founding institutions like the Tang Center for Early China and Silk Road Studies. Education: BA (Bryn Mawr College, Classical Languages & English Literature), MA (University of Pennsylvania, East Asian & Middle Eastern Studies), PhD (University of Pennsylvania, 2004). Research interests include early Chinese cartography, Silk Road cultural exchanges, and the intersection of art history with imperial geography. Her work bridges archaeology, art, and policy, addressing illicit cultural trafficking and heritage preservation. She has produced award-winning documentaries and serves on global arts and museum boards. Her publications explore topics such as ancient mapping techniques and Silk Road heritage. Awards recognize her academic and leadership roles in cultural preservation. She co-founded the Tang Centers and Hsu-Tang Library, advocating for interdisciplinary scholarship and global cultural dialogue.
William H. Nienhauser, Jr. is the Halls-Bascom Professor of Classical Chinese Literature in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, College of Letters and Science. He is a leading authority on early Chinese literature, historiography, and poetry, with a particular focus on Sima Qian’s Shiji and the poetry of Du Fu. He has held visiting and research positions in China, Japan, Germany, and Taiwan, and remains academically active, including a 2018 appointment as Visiting Professor at Nankai University. His research interests include early traditional Chinese fiction, historiography, chuanqi and zhiguai tales, and the application of modern Western critical theories to Chinese literary texts. He is deeply engaged in the translation and annotation of classical works, especially the Shiji , often in collaboration with graduate students. His scholarship bridges philology, literary theory, and historical contextualization, contributing significantly to the global understanding of pre-modern Chinese literature. Nienhauser’s publications reveal a sustained focus on textual analysis, narrative structure, and the interplay between history and literature. His work spans from early Shijing poetry to Tang dynasty fiction, with a strong emphasis on Sima Qian’s historiographical methods and legacy. He has also contributed foundational reference works and critical editions, shaping the field of Chinese literary studies. His scientific awards reflect the international recognition of his scholarship: Woodrow Wilson Fellowship ACLS Fellowship NEH Fellowship Fulbright-Hayes Fellowship Japan Foundation Fellowship German Research Foundation Fellowship Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship Humboldt Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award (2003) Nienhauser has advised numerous graduate students in collaborative research projects, particularly on the Shiji and Du Fu. He has secured major fellowships and grants from prestigious organizations including the NEH, ACLS, Fulbright-Hayes, and the Humboldt Foundation, enabling extended research and translation work. His editorial roles, especially as a founding editor of Chinese Literature: Essays, Articles, Reviews (CLEAR), have been instrumental in advancing the field. While no formal lab or research center is mentioned, Nienhauser leads a major international collaborative translation project on the Shiji , involving scholars and students across institutions. His seminars and graduate courses foster a close-knit research community focused on classical Chinese texts.
Anne Behnke Kinney is a Professor of Chinese at the University of Virginia, specializing in early Chinese literature, thought, and social history. Her work focuses on the history of childhood and women in premodern China, combining traditional texts with archaeological materials. Early Chinese literature History of childhood in China History of women in premodern China Her research explores cultural connotations of childhood and gender in Han Dynasty historical texts, linking them to cosmology, medicine, law, and statecraft. She has produced critical translations of foundational works like the Lienu Zhuan and Qianfulun , highlighting their societal and philosophical implications. Recent publications include Essays of a Recluse (2025) and Exemplary Women of Early China (2014). Her scholarship traces themes in Han-era narratives, emphasizing vulnerabilities of high-status children and parental authority.
Yiqun Zhou serves as Associate Professor of East Asian Languages and Cultures and, by courtesy, of Classics at Stanford University. Holding dual appointments since 2013, Zhou is actively engaged in teaching and research within Stanford's Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures and the Department of Classics, with program affiliations at the Center for East Asian Studies. Research interests span Chinese and comparative women's history, early Chinese literature, Ming-Qing fiction, China-Greece comparative studies, and the reception of classical antiquity in modern China. Zhou's scholarly approach emphasizes cross-cultural analysis between ancient Chinese and Greek civilizations, particularly examining gender relations, literary traditions, and the modern Chinese reception of classical antiquity. Zhou's publications demonstrate consistent scholarly output with recent works appearing in 2024, focusing on imperial performance, gender dynamics, and intellectual history. The research trajectory reveals a sustained engagement with comparative methodologies, particularly examining intersections between Chinese and Greco-Roman civilizations across historical periods. Zhou actively mentors graduate students through multiple roles including Doctoral Dissertation Advisor for Xiaoyi Huang and Bingxiao Liu, Master's Program Advisor for Helen Bovi and Yuan Wei, and Doctoral Program advisor for ZiFan Yang. Teaching responsibilities include courses such as Beginning Classical Chinese, Heroes and Heroism (co-listed with Classics), Proseminar in East Asian Humanities, and The Use of Classical Antiquity in Modern China. Academic background includes a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Chicago (2004). Zhou maintains an active research agenda with publications spanning journal articles and book chapters, primarily focusing on comparative approaches to Chinese literature and history with Greco-Roman antiquity.
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUnited States
Jingling Chen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures and the Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Their research focuses on Chinese and Greek comparative literature, modern Chinese narrative, and modern Chinese intellectual history. Key research interests include the intersection of Greek tradition and modern Chinese literature, intellectual history, and cross-cultural literary analysis. Their work explores how ancient Greek concepts were adapted into modern Chinese literary contexts. Notable research output includes the 2016 study An Acropolis in China , examining the influence of ancient Greek traditions on modern Chinese literature. While no awards or grants are explicitly listed, their scholarship bridges literary and historical disciplines. No advising relationships or lab affiliations are mentioned in the provided materials.
Ronnie Littlejohn is Professor of Philosophy and Director of Asian Studies at Belmont University, within the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from Baylor University with a specialization in Comparative Philosophy, Chinese thought, Ethics, and Early Modern Thought. His academic work bridges Eastern and Western philosophical traditions, with a particular focus on Daoism, Confucianism, and moral philosophy. Education: Ph.D., Baylor University Post-doctoral Studies: University of Chicago, University of Hawaii, University of Arizona, Harvard University, Notre Dame, Pennsylvania State University Dr. Littlejohn’s research interests include comparative philosophy, Chinese philosophy, ethics, and the philosophy of language. He has conducted extensive field research on Zhengyi Daoist lineages in China and has been deeply involved in promoting Asian studies in the U.S. through leadership roles in ASIANetwork and the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia. His scholarship emphasizes the relevance of classical Chinese thought to contemporary ethical and philosophical debates. His recent publications span topics such as Daoist sacred sites, moral education, philosophical dialogue in Chinese thought, and the reinterpretation of classical texts like the Daodejing and Zhuangzi . The articles reflect a strong thematic engagement with Daoism, Confucian ethics, comparative hermeneutics, and the application of wu-wei to Western moral philosophy. His work consistently bridges historical analysis with contemporary philosophical inquiry. Scientific Awards and Honors: Tennessee Professor of the Year, 2015 Virginia M. Chaney Distinguished Professor Award, 2013 Distinguished Service Award, ASIANetwork, 2021 International Talent Cooperation Programme Award, Henan Province, China, 2016 Distinguished Service Award, International East-West Center Alumni Association, 2006 Award for Innovative Excellence in Teaching, 2003 Dr. Littlejohn has served as a grant director and co-director for multiple educational initiatives, including the Tennessee National Consortium for Teaching about Asia and the National Consortium for Teaching about East Asia. He has directed Belmont University’s student travel programs in China and Hawaii and has led numerous faculty development workshops. He is also an active contributor to academic journals and encyclopedias, including the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy and the International Encyclopedia of Ethics . He has directed several symposia on Asian studies at Belmont and has been a keynote speaker at international conferences in China and the U.S. His work in media includes television programs on Daoism and contributions to National Geographic ’s Sacred Journeys series.
Bryan K. Miller is an Assistant Professor of Central Asian Art & Archaeology in the Department of History of Art at the University of Michigan, with affiliations to the International Institute, Center for Russian, East European, & Eurasian Studies (CREES), Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies, and the Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia. He is also an Assistant Curator of Asian Archaeology at the Museum of Anthropological Archaeology. His research focuses on nomadic societies, steppe pastoralism, and empires in early East Asia, particularly the Xiongnu steppe empire. His work integrates textual analyses and material culture studies, including archaeological surveys in Mongolia and protein analyses of garment remains. Miller holds a PhD in East Asian Civilizations from the University of Pennsylvania (2009), an MA in Archaeology from UCLA (2000), and a BA in Archaeology & East Asian Studies from Washington University in St. Louis (1997). His recent publications include a monograph on the Xiongnu and a co-edited volume on ritual and economy in East Asia. His current research examines the roles of steppe societies in shaping Eurasian exchanges, particularly along the Silk Roads. He teaches courses such as HISTART 265 (Arts and Cultures of Star Wars), HISTART 393 (Undergraduate Seminar), and HISTART 689 (Special Topics in History of Art).
Dr. Jonathan M. Watt is a Professor of Biblical Studies at Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA. He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Linguistics from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.Div. from Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and a B.S. in Magazine Journalism from Syracuse University. Expertise in Linguistics, Biblical Languages, Archaeology, and Middle Eastern Studies. Teaches courses in Biblical Studies, Greek, Linguistics, and Religious Ministry Studies. Co-editor of the Baker Encyclopedia of Biblical Greek Language and Linguistics and the Linguistic Biblical Studies Series . His research bridges Linguistics and Biblical Studies , focusing on language policy , sociolinguistics , bilingualism in early Christianity , and language ideology in ancient cultures . Recent publications analyze Greek diminutives , anti-language in James , and appraisal theory in Hebrews . Selected publications include Colossians and Philemon commentaries (2024), Greek Phonology and Morphology (2022), and chapters on Pauline ecclesiology (2021). He has presented globally, including conferences in Canada, China, and Austria. Scientific Awards: Excellence in Scholarship Award, Geneva College (2005) Moderator of the 174th Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church (2005) Affiliated with the Society of Biblical Literature and Evangelical Theological Society , Dr. Watt integrates language theory with religious studies , emphasizing intercultural communication and biblical hermeneutics.
Professor Eric Hutton at the University of Utah's College of Humanities specializes in Chinese and Ancient Greek philosophy, with particular emphasis on ethics, moral psychology, and cross-cultural comparisons. His academic journey began with a BA in Classics and Chinese from Stanford University, followed by an MA in Chinese from Harvard University, culminating in a PhD in Philosophy from Stanford University (2001). Professional Timeline: Assistant Professor (2001-2009), Associate Professor (2009-2019), Professor (2019-present) Key Research Areas: Chinese philosophy, Ancient Greek philosophy, ethics, moral psychology, ritual studies, and political philosophy His recent publications focus on: Comparative analysis of early Chinese and Greek political concepts (e.g., wei in 2024 work) Intersections between ethics and the arts in classical Chinese thought Epistemological aspects of Confucian tradition Philosophical dialogues between Xunzi and contemporary virtue ethics Historical transmission of classical texts (e.g., Matteo Ricci's sources in 2025 publication) Hutton's teaching portfolio includes specialized graduate and undergraduate courses in classical Chinese philosophy, Plato's Republic, contemporary ethics, and virtue ethics seminars.
Jack Chen is a Professor of Chinese Literature and Department Chair at the University of Virginia's Department of East Asian Languages, Literatures and Cultures, with additional affiliation to the Institute of the Humanities and Global Cultures. His office is located in Wilson Hall, where he holds weekly office hours. Previously, he taught at UCLA and Wellesley College. Education BA in Literature, Yale University MA in Comparative Literature, University of Michigan PhD in Comparative Literature, Harvard University Research Focus Chen specializes in classical and medieval Chinese literature (100-900 CE), particularly the Tang Dynasty. His interdisciplinary work bridges traditional literary analysis with computational methods, exploring: The history of information management in imperial China Gossip and anecdote as cultural artifacts Digital humanities approaches to East Asian texts Ghost poetry and supernatural narratives Current projects include developing computational tools for classical Chinese corpora and studying early medieval anecdotal collections. Publication Trends Recent articles (2022-2024) demonstrate three key themes: 1) Integration of digital humanities with classical Chinese textual analysis, 2) Re-examination of literary history through spatial/temporal frameworks, and 3) Genre studies of Tang Dynasty narratives like Chuanqi tales. Computational methods feature prominently across publications. Professional Activities No awards, grants, or supervised students are mentioned in available sources. His departmental leadership includes curriculum development for Chinese Language & Literature and East Asian Studies programs.
Harry Miller is a faculty member in the Department of History at the University of South Alabama since 2002. He holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University and specializes in Ming and Qing dynasty history, East Asian intellectual history, and cultural narratives. B.A., Wesleyan University (1988) M.A., Columbia University Ph.D., Columbia University (2001) His research focuses on state-gentry dynamics, dynastic transitions, and the interplay between historical interpretation and literary expression in early modern China. He has authored books on Ming-Qing political conflicts and translated classical Chinese texts, while currently crafting a historical novel set in 17th-century China. Publications reflect expertise in Ming-Qing intellectual history, factional politics, and cross-cultural narratives. He oversees the USA in Japan study abroad program and teaches courses spanning Asian civilization, film, and specialized seminars on China, Japan, and democratic transitions.
