On April 28, the CSCC hosted its End-of-Semester Celebration and Awards Ceremony. This event marked the close of an eventful academic year and provided an opportunity to honor the remarkable accomplishments of our faculty and students during the 2024–2025 academic year.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation of four awards by the CSCC Award Review Committee:
- Outstanding Student Scholar Award
- Outstanding Faculty Scholar Award
- Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award
- Outstanding Community Service Award
This year’s award receipients are:
Outstanding Faculty Scholar Award – Yuan Wang
Professor Yuan Wang’s research has made a profound impact in the field of global China studies. Her work focuses on China’s international relations, particularly its influence in the Global South and Africa. Through innovative approaches, her research not only demonstrates originality and depth but also holds significant relevance for contemporary debates on Sino-African relations. Since joining DKU in 2022, Yuan has shown extraordinary scholarly productivity—publishing a book, three first-authored articles in top-tier journals, and actively engaging in conferences and workshops. Her work exemplifies excellence, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to advancing knowledge—qualities that make her truly deserving of the award.
Outstanding Student Scholar Award – Chengxi Yin
Chengxi Yin’s research explores critical issues in China’s media studies, including social media content moderation and audience engagement with online fiction. Her work demonstrates a deep engagement with China’s evolving media landscape. What makes her stand out is her ability to bridge theory with rigorous empirical analysis, using sophisticated methodologies. Moreover, her work has been accepted for presentation at academic conferences, including the Hawaii International Conference on Chinese Studies, the Cultural Studies Association Conference, and DKU’s HRC annual conference. Attending these conferences further demonstrates the quality and impact of her work. The Award Committee believes that Chengxi will contribute to both academia and public discourse on digital culture and media in China.
Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award – Kaley Clements
Prof. Kaley Clements’ commitment to guiding students—intellectually, creatively, and professionally—has left a significant mark on his students’ academic and personal growth. The Award Committee believes that what sets Kaley apart is his deep engagement with students, fostering their development through various approaches. Whether through summer collaborations or by transforming classwork into public exhibitions and creative projects, he always encourages students to push boundaries and think differently. His mentorship is not just about academic guidance, it’s about building bridges. He connects students with professionals across disciplines, opening doors to grants, creative opportunities, and real-world experiences. His students don’t just leave his courses or projects with new skills; they leave with confidence, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the world around them.
Outstanding Community Service Award – ArtsDock Living Learning Community
ArtsDock Living Learning Community (LLC) has built meaningful bridges between DKU and the local community. It is far more than just a project—it is a platform for connection. It has provided spaces for dialogue, learning, and mutual understanding. Whether through collaborations with local coffee makers, high school students, or local residents, ArtsDock demonstrates how academic knowledge can extend beyond the classroom to foster real-world impact. What makes it particularly special is its commitment to interdisciplinary engagement. It brings together diverse perspectives— from environmental studies to cultural anthropology—to examine local issues in ways that are both thoughtful and actionable. It reminds us that education is not just about what we learn, but how we share it.
Following the awards ceremony, CSCC Co-Director Prof. Annemieke van den Dool shared highlights from the 2024–2025 academic year. A key moment was the formal launch of the CSCC 2024 Annual Report. Annemieke invited attendees to review the report to gain an overview of the Center’s work over the past year and encouraged everyone to share their thoughts, feedback, and suggestions on what CSCC can do for them—captured through handwritten notes.
She also expressed special thanks to students Nika Kiladze and Lan Wei, whose photography of Bacheng—taken during the Analogue Workshop—was featured on the report’s front and back covers.
The End-of-Semester Celebration not only recognized outstanding individual contributions but also reflected the vibrant intellectual and community life fostered by CSCC throughout the year. As the Center looks ahead to new initiatives, research projects, and collaborations in the coming academic year, we remain committed to supporting our faculty, students, and partners in advancing interdisciplinary scholarship and meaningful engagement with contemporary China.
