معرفی
Dr Oscar Zhou serves as a Lecturer in Media Studies and Director of Studies for Planning, Culture and Environment (PGT) at the School of Arts, University of Kent, following prior academic appointments at the University of Sussex, University of Brighton, and University of Hertfordshire. His scholarly trajectory includes a PhD in Media and Cultural Studies from the University of Sussex and a Masters in Globalisation and Communications from the University of Leicester.
His educational credentials:
- PhD in Media and Cultural Studies, University of Sussex
- Masters in Globalisation and Communications, University of Leicester
- Undergraduate training in communication and technical science
Zhou's research critically examines intersections of digital culture, gender/sexuality studies, and media technologies, with concentrated focus on LGBTQ+ communities' engagements in transnational contexts. Employing digital and algorithmic ethnography, he investigates queer digital cultures, critical health communication, and platform politics—particularly analyzing how algorithms reconfigure power dynamics around gender, sexuality, and youth wellbeing in Chinese digital ecosystems like Douyin/TikTok.
Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent exploration of Chinese digital media landscapes, emphasizing queer visibility on platforms such as Douyin and Zhihu, danmei fan cultures, and gender politics in television. His work also addresses digital activism, influencer economies, and geopolitical representations in fandom, demonstrating methodological innovation through short-video platform analytics and participatory youth research.
Professional recognition:
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
As an active PhD supervisor, Zhou seeks candidates with qualitative and ethnographic expertise in digital culture, particularly welcoming projects on Chinese media, algorithmic governance, and queer health communication. He chairs the UK-China Media and Cultural Studies Association while contributing to the Centre for Health and Medical Humanities, currently leading collaborative research on short-video apps' societal impacts through the lens of gender, sexuality, and youth wellbeing.
