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Kin Tak Raymond Tsang is a Lecturer in Cinema Studies at the University of Southern California (USC) within the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. and M.Phil. in Cinema Studies from New York University, an M.A. in Comparative Literature from Peking University, and a B.A. in Cultural Studies from Lingnan University. Previously, he served as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University from 2022 to 2023. Education: B.A., Cultural Studies, Lingnan University M.A., Comparative Literature, Peking University M.Phil., Cinema Studies, New York University Ph.D., Cinema Studies, New York University Dr. Tsang’s research interrogates the geopolitical dimensions of cinema, particularly focusing on Hong Kong martial arts films, Third Cinema, and Cold War-era activism. His first book project, The 'law' outside the Law: The Political History of Hong Kong Martial Arts Cinema, 1949 to 1976 , redefines the genre by analyzing its ties to colonial governance, transnational networks, and cultural containment strategies. He also explores the translocal circulation of progressive films and literature, connecting Hong Kong to Cuba, China, and Malaysia during the Cold War. In 2023, Dr. Tsang published a special issue of the Journal of Chinese Cinemas examining Hong Kong’s leftist film movements (1950–1979). His scholarship extends Third Cinema theory to bridge Asia, Africa, and Latin America, emphasizing alternative globalization through cultural exchange. He teaches courses such as EASC 150: East Asian Societies , addressing topics like Cold War geopolitics and Southeast Asian film networks. His work intersects film history, cultural studies, and political activism, offering critical insights into colonial and transnational cinema.

• Cinema Studies
• Martial Arts Films
• Third Cinema
• +9 more

Hsiu-Chuang Deppman is a Professor of Chinese and Cinema and Media at Oberlin College, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. She holds positions in both the East Asian Studies and Cinema and Media departments. Currently on leave for the 2024-25 academic year, her research focuses on film adaptation, Chinese cinema history, and comparative literature. She has published extensively, including books like Close-ups and Long Shots in Modern Chinese Cinemas (2021) and Adapted for the Screen (2010). Deppman earned her PhD (1999) and MA (1993) in Chinese Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a BA (1990) from National Cheng-Kung University in Taiwan. Her research interests span: Adaptation Studies History of Chinese Cinema Documentary and Media Studies Contemporary Chinese Fiction Comparative Literature Awarded the 2016-2017 Excellence in Teaching Award, she has also received grants and fellowships including the Fulbright Research Grant, Taiwan National Science Council Grant, and Freeman Foundation Grant for Asian Studies, among others. In addition to her research, Deppman teaches courses such as Contemporary East Asian Cinema and Intermediate Chinese I . Her work has been supported by the GLCA/Mellon New Directions Initiative and the Chiu Scholarly Exchange Program for Taiwan Studies. Her current project involves writing a book on Jia Zhangke’s cinema of reflection, reflecting her ongoing engagement with modern Chinese cinematic narratives.

• Adaptation Studies
• History of Chinese Cinema
• Chinese and Taiwanese Documentary
• +3 more

James Wicks serves as Professor of Media & Film Studies and Assistant Dean at Point Loma Nazarene University's School of Humanities, Arts, and Public Engagement. Teaching since 2009 and joining the Department of Communication Studies in 2021, he holds a Ph.D. in Film Studies with emphasis on Chinese Cinema from UC San Diego (2010). His academic career bridges administrative leadership with specialized instruction in narrative film, documentary production, and screenwriting. Dr. Wicks' educational background includes: Ph.D. in Film Studies (Cultural Studies section), University of California, San Diego, 2010 M.A., Oregon State University B.A., Oregon State University His research centers on Taiwan cinema history from the 1950s-1980s, exploring transnational representations, philosophical dimensions of martial arts films, and cultural identity. Additional interests include street culture in Hollywood, surf cinema history, and gender negotiation in early Taiwanese films. His methodological approach combines historical analysis with cultural studies frameworks. Publication trends reveal sustained focus on Taiwan cinema scholarship since 2010, with significant expansion into interdisciplinary urban studies (2019-2020) and contemporary director analyses (Ang Lee, Hou Hsiao-Hsien). His 2022-2016 output demonstrates consistent engagement with Cold War-era cinematic narratives while incorporating newer interests in ecological representation and punk cinema aesthetics. Notable recognitions include: Excellence in Teaching Award (PLNU, 2019) Two PLNU RASP grants for film preservation (2018-2019) Taiwan Ministry of Education research grant (2011) Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation fellowship (2009-2010) As an active researcher, Dr. Wicks has secured substantial external funding for film preservation projects and maintains strong community engagement through the San Diego Asian Film Festival. His administrative role as Assistant Dean complements his scholarly work in media studies curriculum development. Through co-organization of the San Diego Asian Film Festival's Taiwan Showcase (2012) and UCSD Taiwan Film Festival (2009), he has built collaborative networks across academic and cultural institutions. His ongoing film reel preservation project demonstrates commitment to safeguarding historical cinematic materials.

• Film Studies
• Chinese Cinema
• Taiwan Film Studies
• +5 more

Christina Klein is a Professor of English and American Studies at Boston College, serving as Director of the Ph.D. Program, American Studies Program, and Literature Core Program. She holds a B.A. in Film Studies from Wesleyan University and a Ph.D. in American Studies from Yale University. Her research focuses on Korean cinema, transnational genres, and Cold War cultural encounters between Asia and the U.S. Expertise: Korean Cinema, Transnational Genres, Cold War Cultural History Affiliations: Harvard's Institute of Korean Studies (Research Associate), Asian Studies Program Steering Committee Her work analyzes films like Bong Joon-ho’s works and explores how Hollywood genres are reworked through Korean contexts. Recent publications include Cold War Cosmopolitanism (2020) and Cold War Orientalism (2020). She has contributed to journals like American Quarterly and Cinema Journal .

• Korean Cinema
• Cold War Studies
• Transnational Genres
• +3 more

David M Feldshuh is a Professor in Performing and Media Arts at Cornell University with over 40 years of service, uniquely combining a board-certified emergency medicine physician career with theater artistry. As founding Artistic Director of the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts, he leads a resident company of professional actors collaborating with students across Cornell. His education spans Dartmouth College (B.A. Philosophy, Phi Beta Kappa, cum laude), London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, and dual Ph.D. (Theatre) and M.D. (Medicine) from the University of Minnesota, followed by Emergency Medicine residency at Hennepin County Medical Center and board certification. Feldshuh’s research centers on theater as a vehicle for social change, particularly at the arts-healthcare intersection. He pioneers creativity training methodologies derived from Zen meditation, Gestalt Therapy, and martial arts to enhance professional presence. His work examines ethical dilemmas in medical practice through performance, with emphasis on cultural bias mitigation and historical trauma processing. His creative output reveals consistent focus on social justice narratives, evolving from historical adaptations like Antigone to contemporary explorations of systemic inequity. Recent works demonstrate increasing formal innovation through multi-role performance structures and transmedia storytelling approaches that bridge academic and public engagement. Major honors include: Pulitzer Prize Finalist and 5 Emmy Awards for Miss Evers' Boys Cornell’s Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellowship (highest teaching honor) Distinguished Service Award from Tuskegee University’s National Bioethics Center AMA “Freddy” Award for medical film excellence CINE Golden Eagle for documentary work Feldshuh mentors through honors tutorials and developed the globally adopted eCornell course Acting in Public , teaching 1,600+ students across 15 countries. His Schwartz Center leadership established institutional grant frameworks supporting large-scale productions like Bernstein’s Mass with 138 performers. Current initiatives include leadership workshops for Cornell Tech and corporate clients, extending his presence-training methodology beyond academia. He maintains active creative practice through the Schwartz Center’s resident company, directing major productions while integrating medical ethics into performance pedagogy. His stadium announcing role at Cornell commencements for 20+ years exemplifies his commitment to institutional community engagement.

• Theater
• Arts and Healthcare
• Social Issues
• +3 more

Casey Elledge is a Professor in the Department of Religion at Gustavus Adolphus College since 2002. His teaching and research focus on New Testament, Early Judaism, Archaeology, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. He previously worked on the Princeton Dead Sea Scrolls Project and was a Fulbright Scholar at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Institute for Archaeology. Education : B.A. in English and Classics (1994) from Centenary College; M.Div (1997) and Ph.D. (2001) from Princeton Theological Seminary; studied at École Biblique de Jérusalem. Elledge's research integrates literary, historical, and theological studies of Early Christian and Jewish literature. His 2017 book, Resurrection of the Dead in Early Judaism, 200 BCE - CE 200 , explores resurrection theology in early Jewish texts. He teaches courses like The Bible (REL-110), New Testament (REL-210), and Jesus (REL-290). Scientific Awards : Faculty Scholarly Achievement Award Fulbright Scholar Elledge serves on the Faculty Senate and participates in Gustavus's International Friendship Family program. Outside academia, he enjoys physical conditioning, gospel music history, grilling, martial arts films, and Alabama football. He is currently reading the Mahabharata and studying Latin with his children.

• New Testament Studies
• Early Judaism
• Archaeology
• +3 more

Dr. Chrishandra Sebastiampillai is a Lecturer in Film, Television and Screen Studies at Monash University Malaysia, School of Arts & Social Sciences. She holds a PhD from Monash University and teaches courses on Southeast Asian cinema, film studies, and celebrity culture. Her research centers on film stardom, representations of race and identity, and the cinematic cultures of Southeast Asia, especially the Philippines. She explores how national and transnational identities are constructed through film, with a focus on political contexts like Martial Law and postcolonial nation-building. Her recent scholarly output includes a book on 1970s Philippine love teams and chapters analyzing cinematic heritage and mixed-race stardom. These works reflect a consistent engagement with historical memory, cultural identity, and the politics of representation in regional cinema. Member of research project: 'Digital Technologies as a New Agenda and Mediator of Public Diplomacy: Fostering Korea-Southeast Asia Collaboration' (2025) Active contributor to public scholarship through media features and cultural exhibitions She has been involved in academic outreach, including media contributions and public exhibitions, and supervises PhD research in film and screen studies.

• Film Studies
• Television Studies
• Star Studies
• +9 more

Jonathan Lee, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Asian American Studies Department at San Francisco State University. A Chinese-Vietnamese-and-Cambodian American scholar, he specializes in Asian American religious studies, folklore, and history. His family survived the Cambodian genocide and arrived in the U.S. in 1981. He earned his doctorate in Religious Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara (2009), an M.A. from the Graduate Theological Union (2002), and three B.A./B.S. degrees from UC Riverside (1999). Ph.D. Religious Studies, UC Santa Barbara (2009) M.A. Religious Studies, Graduate Theological Union (2002) B.A. Religious Studies, UC Riverside (1999) B.A. Ethnic Studies, UC Riverside (1999) B.S. Sociology, UC Riverside (1999) His research interests include Asian American religious studies and history, Chinese/Sino-Southeast Asian American Studies, and Cambodian/Vietnamese American studies. He has published extensively on these topics, including 16 books and over 500 articles. His work explores Hakka identity, Mazu worship, and Southeast Asian diasporic communities. Lee serves as editor-in-chief of Chinese America: History & Perspectives and has collaborated on projects like Encyclopedia of Asian American Folklore and Folklife . He advocates for anti-racist pedagogy and consults for Silicon Valley corporations on equity and inclusion. Recent research trends show emphasis on transnational religious practices (2015-2021), Southeast Asian American diaspora studies (2010-2014), and Asian American identity formation through folklore (2012-2016).

• Asian American religious studies and history
• Chinese and Sino-Southeast Asian American Studies
• Asian American folklore and folklife
• +3 more

Tria Blu Wakpa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance at UCLA's School of the Arts and Architecture. Her work bridges academia and community engagement, focusing on decolonizing methodologies to examine Indigenous peoples' practices in confinement contexts. Education: Ph.D. and M.A., Ethnic Studies, UC Berkeley M.F.A., Creative Writing, San Diego State University B.A., English with Film, Oklahoma State University (summa cum laude) Research Interests: She explores dance, athletics, and yoga through Indigenous frameworks, analyzing their roles in education, incarceration, and performance. Her work emphasizes community collaboration, particularly with tribal experts, and critiques colonial structures. Awards & Recognition: 2023 Gerald Kahan Scholar’s Prize (American Quarterly article) Fulbright Association’s Selma Jeanne Cohen Dance Lecture Awardee (2023) Fellowships: Ford Foundation, Hellman Fund, UC Postdoctoral Program Community Engagement: Co-Founder/Editor-in-Chief of Race and Yoga journal. Serves on LA Cultural Affairs Commission, LA Unified School District’s American Indian Parent Committee, and Fernandeño Tataviam Education Committee. Teaches at tribal, carceral, and public institutions.

• Native American Studies
• Indigenous Performance and Dance
• Carceral Studies
• +8 more

Dr. Pao-chen Tang is an Assistant Professor in Film Studies at the University of Sydney, affiliated with the School of Arts and Social Sciences. He holds a Joint PhD in Cinema and Media Studies & East Asian Languages and Civilizations from the University of Chicago. His research focuses on the intersection of film aesthetics and ecopolitics, particularly in East Asian cinema, exploring animism, nonhuman agency, and environmental humanities. Education: PhD (University of Chicago), Joint PhD in Cinema and Media Studies & East Asian Languages and Civilizations. Research Interests: Ecocinema, animal studies, transnational cinema, film production culture, health humanities, and East Asian media. Current projects include studies on neo-industrialization in Chinese cinema and the aesthetics of technology in genres like martial arts and sci-fi. Recent Articles: Recent works include Producing a Future on a Wandering Earth (2023), analyzing the sci-fi film The Wandering Earth , and Cinema Wears the Mask (2023), exploring animism in French documentary. His 2025 book The Animist Imagination in East Asian Cinema theorizes animist filmmaking modes. Awards: Includes the Nexus Asia Travel Grant (2025), Overseas Pioneers Grants (2024), and multiple fellowships. Shortlisted for the Screen Award (2024) and BAFTSS Best Journal Article (2024). Teaching & Grants: Teaches courses like FILM1000 and supervises Chenlei Xiao. Grants include the USyd-NTU Ignition Grant (2024) and Franke Institute Dissertation Fellowship (2019). Labs/Teams: Member of the China Studies Centre and Sydney Environment Institute, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects.

• Ecocinema
• Animal Studies
• Transnational Cinema
• +3 more

Peter Rollberg is a Professor of Slavic Languages, Film Studies, and International Affairs at George Washington University (GWU), affiliated with the Columbian College of Arts & Sciences and the Elliott School of International Affairs. He holds leadership roles including Director of Russian Language and Literature, former Chair of the Department of German and Slavic Languages and Literatures (1999-2001), and Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs (2019-2022). Rollberg earned his Ph.D. from the University of Leipzig (1988) after studying at Lomonosov University in Moscow. His expertise spans Russian/Soviet literature and film, with over 100 publications including books like Historical Dictionary of Russian and Soviet Cinema and The Cinema of Soviet Kazakhstan 1925-1991 . His research explores national identity, post-Soviet cultural dynamics, and martial arts in Kazakh cinema. Notable awards include the Morton A. Bender Teaching Award (1999) and the Trachtenberg Award for Teaching (2001). His recent work analyzes Kazakhstani cinema’s representation of martial arts, Soviet-era film policies, and the intersection of sports and state narratives in Russian film.

• Russian and Soviet Literature
• Film Studies
• Soviet Cinema
• +3 more

Paul B. Foster is an Associate Professor of Chinese and Director of the Chinese Program at Georgia Institute of Technology's School of Modern Languages. He earned his Ph.D. in East Asian Languages and Literatures from Ohio State University. His research focuses on Modern Chinese Literature, particularly Lu Xun and Jin Yong, exploring themes like national character, martial arts fiction, and sci-fi. He authored Jin Yong's Martial Arts Fiction and the Kungfu Industrial Complex (2023) and Ah Q Archaeology (2006). Foster teaches courses on Chinese language and culture, including Chinese Sci-Fi, Kungfu Fiction, and Lu Xun Studies. He promotes study abroad through programs in China and coordinates the China LBAT summer program. Recognitions include the Ivan Allen College Excellence in Teaching Award (2002/3). His work bridges literary analysis with cultural critique, addressing posthumanism, dystopia, and political discourse. Education: Ph.D., East Asian Languages and Literatures, Ohio State University Research: Lu Xun's legacy, martial arts fiction, sci-fi's societal role Publications span books, journal articles, and reviews on topics like The Three-Body Problem , Hong Kong literature, and cultural diplomacy. He serves on the editorial board of China Currents and advises student organizations like the Chinese Student Association and GT Wushu Club.

• Modern Chinese Literature
• Lu Xun Studies
• Martial Arts Fiction
• +4 more

Dr Michael Brown is a Lecturer in Modern British History at Lancaster University, specializing in the cultural history of Britain (1760–1914). He holds leadership roles as Deputy Research Director and Postgraduate Research Director for History. His research focuses on medicine, surgery, war, gender, emotions, and the body, with a particular interest in materiality. Brown has held prestigious fellowships, including a Wellcome Trust Research Fellowship (2007–2010) and a Wellcome Trust Investigator Award (2016–2021). He leads major projects like the AHRC-funded The Victorian Hand (2024–2028), exploring embodiment and identity through historical lenses. His work bridges academic research with public engagement, including podcasts and films on surgical history and militarism. Education: BA History (University of York, 1998), MSc History of Science (Wellcome Institute/University of London, 1999), PhD History (University of York, 2004). Professional History: Lecturer at University of Kent (2005–2007), Senior Lecturer/Reader at University of Roehampton (2010–2022). Research Interests : Medicine/surgery history, war and militarism, gender, emotions, body studies, material culture. Current projects include the Victorian Hand and late Victorian popular militarism. Grants : AHRC Standard Research Grant (£846,900), Wellcome Trust Investigator Award (£628,760), among others. Collaborations : London College of Fashion (Prof. Joanne Begiato), Centre for War and Diplomacy at Lancaster University.

• Medical History
• Cultural History
• Gender Studies
• +4 more

Howard Chiang is a Professor of East Asian Languages & Cultural Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, holding the Lai Ho & Wu Cho-liu Endowed Chair in Taiwan Studies. He specializes in queer Asian Pacific history, transgender studies, and the history of the human sciences, particularly psychoanalysis and cultural psychiatry. His research bridges transnational and decolonial frameworks, examining how geopolitical contexts shape knowledge production. Chiang is the Editor-in-Chief of the Global Encyclopedia of LGBTQ History and editor of multiple book series, including Global Queer Asias . He has held leadership roles, such as Founding Chair of the Society of Sinophone Studies, and taught at NYU, the University of Warwick, and UC Davis. Chiang’s academic contributions include award-winning monographs like Transtopia in the Sinophone Pacific (2021) and After Eunuchs (2018), which explore transgender history and the transformation of gender norms in modern China. His current projects include The Confucian Freud , examining psychoanalysis in transpacific contexts. His work has been supported by grants from the National Humanities Center, Wellcome Trust, and others. Education: Ph.D., Princeton University Awards: Bonnie and Vern L. Bullough Book Award, Dartmouth Medal, Lambda Literary Award finalist Publications: Over 20 authored/edited volumes, including Keywords in Queer Sinophone Studies and Sinoglossia Grants: Arts and Humanities Research Council, Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation, George A. and Eliza Gardner Howard Foundation Chiang’s teaching focuses on critical Taiwan studies, medical humanities, and Sinophone studies. He directs UCSB’s Center for Taiwan Studies and actively contributes to interdisciplinary dialogues on queer theory, geopolitics, and decolonial methodologies.

• Queer Studies
• East Asian History
• Transgender Studies
• +5 more

David J Gundry is an Associate Professor of Japanese at the University of California, Davis, specializing in medieval and early-modern Japanese literature. His research focuses on comparative history of the novel, Edo-period popular culture, and textual analysis of works by Ihara Saikaku. He holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University. His awards include the Japan Foundation Doctoral Fellowship (2006) and translation awards from Shizuoka International Translation Competition (2005, 2001). Current projects involve translating Ihara Saikaku's Budō denraiki and Honchō nijū fukō, alongside studies on sexuality in Saikaku's fiction. Teaching focuses on Japanese literature, film, and translation, including courses like JPN 106 (Japanese Culture Through Film) and JPN 131/133 (Modern Japanese Literature).

• Medieval Japanese Literature
• Early-Modern Japanese Literature
• Comparative History of the Novel
• +3 more