Susan Brownell

Susan Brownell, Ph.D., is a Professor of Anthropology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis' College of Arts and Sciences. An internationally recognized expert on Chinese sports and Olympic Games, she has conducted fieldwork in China since 1985 and maintains a long-standing affiliation with Beijing Sport University.

• Education: Ph.D. in Anthropology from University of California, Santa Barbara (1990)

Research Interests span multiple domains:

• Chinese sports systems and Olympic diplomacy
• Medical anthropology of body ideals and cosmetic surgery
• Transnational sports networks and human rights debates
• Mega-events (World's Fairs, Olympics) as cultural/political tools
• Comparative civilizations (classical China/Greece) through sports

Publications reveal consistent focus on global sports intersections, with particular emphasis on:

• Historical evolution of international sports
• Medicalization of athletic and beauty standards
• Political economy of Olympic hosting
• Chinese-Western cultural exchanges through sports

Scientific Awards include:

• UMSL Chancellor’s Award for Research and Creativity (2015)
• North American Society for Sport History Anthology Award (2009)
• University of Missouri President’s Award for Service (2018)

Public Engagement demonstrates exceptional cross-sector impact through media commentary (AP, BBC, CNN, CCTV), documentary appearances (National Geographic, 3Wire Sports), and leadership roles in academic committees including the International Olympic Committee's Research Council (2000-2008). Her work bridges ethnographic research with policy analysis, particularly regarding China's global integration through sports diplomacy.