Dr. Qingjun (Joan) Li is Professor of Asian Studies and Chinese in the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences at Belmont University. She holds a Ph.D. in English from Middle Tennessee State University and specializes in Chinese American literature, comparative literature, Asian studies, and Chinese language pedagogy. Prior to joining Belmont, she was an Associate Professor of English at Zhengzhou University in China. Ph.D., English (American Literature), Middle Tennessee State University M.A., English, Belmont University B.A., English, Zhengzhou University, P.R. China Dr. Li’s research centers on the intersections between Chinese and American literary and philosophical traditions. Her work explores how Chinese thought, particularly Daoism and Confucianism, influenced American writers like Thoreau and Ezra Pound. She also investigates themes of cultural identity, gender, and diaspora in Chinese American literature, with a focus on Maxine Hong Kingston. Her scholarship extends to Chinese language pedagogy and the commodification of culture in China’s modern cultural industries. Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in comparative philosophy and transnational literary analysis, particularly examining East-West dialogues in thought and expression. She frequently publishes on the reception of Chinese philosophy in American transcendentalism and modernist literature. Virginia M. Chaney Distinguished Professor (2014–2015) Faculty Award for Leadership in Christian Service (2017–2018) Advisor of the Year (2018–2019) Mellon Foundation ASIANetwork Faculty Enhancement Fellowship (2017) Selected for ASIANetwork Speakers Bureau (2015–2018) Dr. Li is a dedicated mentor and advisor who has guided numerous students to receive Chinese Government Scholarships, Fulbright awards, and Critical Language Scholarships. She co-directs Belmont’s study abroad programs in China and has led student research teams there. She also serves as advisor to the Chinese Cultural Association. Her academic leadership includes organizing collaborative teaching initiatives with Beijing Language and Culture University and presenting widely at national and international conferences on Asian studies and American literature. She is actively involved in academic programming, including keynote lectures, faculty workshops, and community outreach on Chinese culture and literature. Her work bridges academia, cultural diplomacy, and public education.












