Center for the Study of Contemporary China

Freshmen Orientation to Social Sciences: Introduction to Professors, Research, and Opportunities

Start

08-31-2026
06:30 PM

End

08-31-2026
09:00 PM

Location

CCT Performance Cafe

Type

Center for the Study of Contemporary China

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Event details

Date: Monday 31 August

Time: 6:30-9:00 PM

Location: CCT Performance Cafe

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Time Program
6:30-6:40PM Welcome and Opening Remarks
Introduction of the Division of Social Sciences and the Center for the Study of Contemporary China
6:40-7:40PM Panel Discussion: Exploring Academic Areas and Career Pathways
Moderator: Prof. Gergely Horvath, Economics

Panelists:
• Prof. Meifang Chen — Global Health
• Prof. Liuchun Deng — Quantitative Political Economy
• Prof. Lincoln Rathnam — Philosopy, Politics, Economics
• Prof. Annemieke van den Dool — Public Policy & Environmental Policy
• Prof. Mengqi Wang — Anthropology
• Prof. Wen Zhou — Behavioral Science

Discussion topics:
1. Faculty introductions, educational backgrounds, path to academia, and the broad questions
2. guiding their research 
3. Important social questions and research areas within each field 
4. Career opportunities and possible pathways 
5. Fall-semester events and ways for students to become involved 
6. Audience Q&A
7:40–7:50 PM Short Break with Refreshments
7:50–8:40 PM Alumni Experience Sharing
Recent DKU graduates from different majors share their experience:
 
1. Their current work or studies, and their goals and future plans 
2. How their DKU experience enabled them to reach their current position 
3. Advice for students beginning their DKU journey 
4. Audience Q&A
8:20–8:55 PM Mix and Mingle with Faculty and Alumni
Freshmen students engage in informal conversations with faculty members, alumni and current upper-year students
8:55–9:00 PM Closing Remarks

This event is organized by the Center for the Study of Contemporary China and the Division of Social Sciences at Duke Kunshan University.