RSEA Community Connects at 2017 Distinguished Alumni Panel Event
The Regional Studies East Asia Program at Harvard hosted a gathering of RSEA alumni, faculty, and current Master’s students on November 10, 2017 at CGIS South Building on campus. The RSEA Distinguished Alumni Panel provides an annual forum for alumni to share their experiences in and beyond the RSEA program and offer their perspectives on professional or academic careers, and for the current students to meet inspiring alumni working in diverse fields and professions.
In welcoming the alumni and student attendees, RSEA Chair Professor Xiaofei Tian emphasized the distinct nature of RSEA as an interdisciplinary master’s program that equips students to pursue many different career paths. RSEA has produced over 1,400 alumni who have achieved distinction in the academic world as well as in public policy, law, business, journalism, and other fields. RSEA alumni are a valuable source of inspiration and perspective for current students considering their options after graduation.
Four Alumni Panelists spoke about their career choices, opportunities and challenges since they were students in the RSEA program.
TJ Hinrichs (AM’88) completed a PhD at Harvard in 2003, pursued her research in the history of Chinese medicine and health practices, and is now Associate Professor of Premodern Chinese History at Cornell (https://eap.einaudi.cornell.edu/person/t-j-hinrichs). Daniel Johnson (AM’82) pursued a career in international business and has founded and directed several financial consulting and software companies (http://www.afs-link.com/daniel-johnson.html). Ji-Eun Lee (‘AM ’02) stayed at Harvard for her PhD and is now Associate Professor of Korean Language and Literature at Washington University in St. Louis (https://ealc.wustl.edu/people/lee_ji-eun). Dana Tang (AM’90) studied architecture at Yale and became a partner at Gluckman Tang Architects based in New York City, where she now leads projects in China (http://gluckmantang.com/office/).
The panelists recalled the skills and relationships gained at Harvard that helped them to succeed, and shared their academic and professional experiences. Professor Xiaofei Tian and Professor James Robson, Acting Director of Graduate Studies, co-hosted the discussions with the alumni and current students. Following a lively panel discussion, all participants enjoyed further conversation over a buffet dinner.
The Distinguished Alumni Panel event was sponsored by the GSAS Gochman Dean’s Fund for Innovation and Development, made possible by a generous donation by RSEA alumnus David Gochman (AM’90).
Reported by Harriet Wong (AM’97).
