Lan Dong

Lan Dong is a Professor in the Department of English and Modern Languages at the University of Illinois Springfield, specializing in Asian American literature, comics studies, and inclusive pedagogy. She has held significant administrative roles, including Chair of her department and Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS).

• Area of Expertise: Diversity, Gender Issues, Race, Online Education, and Women's Issues
• Email: ldong4@uis.edu

Her recent research focuses on transnational narratives, graphic memoirs, and the intersection of gender with cultural identity, particularly in works addressing Asian diaspora experiences. She has contributed to critical analyses of comics, graphic medicine, and digital activism in education.

Since 2020, her publications have explored themes such as queer immigrant Bildungsroman, adoption studies, and historical representation in visual media, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary and socially conscious scholarship.

Scientific Awards

• Spencer Award for excellence in public and academic community service (2025)
• Diversity and Inclusion Award (2024)
• Undergraduate Research Faculty Mentor Award (2019)
• Faculty Excellence Award (2018)
• Pearson Faculty Award for teaching excellence (2012)
• University Scholar (2012)
• CLAS Faculty Excellence Award for Scholarship (2011)

Lan Dong's work as a COLRS Faculty Fellow has advanced inclusive pedagogy, accessibility, and open educational resources in virtual classrooms.