I am a sociologist with a PhD in Urban Planning, specializing in China’s rapid urban transformation, governance, smart city initiatives, rural-urban migration, and Chinese identity formation. My research provides critical insights into China’s urbanization processes and their global implications. My doctoral dissertation focused on the transformation of global cities through Chinese international migration and global investment, where I conducted extensive ethnographic fieldwork in Guangdong’s Pearl River Delta and Vancouver, Canada. This hands-on experience in one of China’s most dynamic urban regions positions me to contribute meaningfully to academic discourse and research on China’s urban development.
Spearheaded the creation and growth of Tel Aviv University's digital presence in the China market, including the successful launch of the TAU Chinese website and WeChat channel.
Managed and optimized digital marketing strategies on Chinese platforms, significantly enhancing the visibility and recognition of TAU's international programs.
Established key partnership with top-tier high schools in major Chinese cities, connecting with hundreds of prospective students through targeted outreach, networking, and presentations.
Provided personalized academic advising to both prospective and current Chinese students, guiding them through TAU's academic offerings and fostering a supportive environment for international students.
Provided comprehensive academic advising and editorial support for Master's and PhD students in North America, enhancing the quality and clarity of their research publications, dissertations, and theses.
Led a multidisciplinary research team in applying qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze survey data, driving evidence-based insights for senior level administration.
Delivered strategic policy recommendations to enhance foster care services in British Columbia, contributing to improved outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Authored comprehensive research reports and briefing notes for senior government officials, facilitating informed decision-making through clear and impactful intra-ministerial communications.
Served as the interpreter and project liaison for a delegation of urban planners, urban designers, and faculty members from Shanghai Tongji University during workshops, lectures, working tours, and site visits.
Coordinated interactions with real estate developers, NGOs, and city and regional planning authorities, gaining valuable insights into Vancouver's urban planning experiences.
Facilitated cross-cultural dialogue, ensuring effective communication and collaboration between the delegation and local experts.
Collaborated with UBC faculty members to co-author and publish a research paper in an edited volume focused on Chinese communities in Vancouver.
Delivered research findings at academic conferences, showcasing expertise in cross-cultural studies and contributing to the broader discourse on urban development and the Chinese diaspora.
Spearheaded a comprehensive research project on global Chinese migration and urbanization, generating valuable insights that advanced the field of urban sociology and contributed to cross-cultural academic discourse.
Completed advanced training in project management, team leadership, and science communication, strengthening my ability to lead interdisciplinary research teams and present complex ideas to diverse academic audiences.
Developed specialized expertise in China's urban development, positioning myself as a key academic resource in the study of global urbanization trends and Chinese diaspora.
Led comprehensive teaching efforts, overseeing curriculum development, reading material selection, and assessment design. Fostered student success through tailored assignments, personalized tutorials, and effective administration, ensuring a high standard of education delivery.
Engaged undergraduates from diverse, interdisciplinary backgrounds through dynamic, interactive classes held three times weekly, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and active participation in an international learning environment.
Conducted in-depth interviews with Chinese immigrants to Vancouver to analyze their experiences with housing, employment, and healthcare services, providing critical insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by immigrant communities.
Led the recruitment process of Chinese immigrants for interviews, utilizing culturally sensitive approaches to build trust and ensure diverse representation.
Transcribed and translated interviews from Mandarin to English, ensuring accuracy and cultural nuance in the data for academic research and publication purposes.
Assisted in teaching a range of Sociology courses, including Sociological Methods (Ethnographic Research, Quantitative Research), Women in Comparative Perspective, Sociology of Communities, and Introduction to Sociology, contributing to the academic development of undergraduate students.
Facilitated dynamic class discussions and provided personalized mentorship, fostering critical thinking and active student engagement with sociological theories and real-world applications.
Assessed and evaluated student assignments, exams, and essays, offering constructive feedback to support academic improvement and success.
Conducted individual and group tutorials to address student needs, ensuring a thorough understanding of course material, and enhancing their academic performance.
Conducted in-depth interviews with rural labor migrants to explore their everyday lived experiences within a township in Dongguan City, providing valuable insights into social and economic challenges.
Collected comprehensive survey data from rural migrants, ensuring a robust dataset for both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Led the analysis of this data, synthesizing key findings into a detailed report commissioned by the local township government, contributing to policy recommendations, and community development strategies.
Adaptability and Flexibility
"Planning for Diversity? A Case Study of Mainland Chinese in Vancouver, Canada", Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) Annual Conference, Houston, US, 2015
"Migration as Place-Making: Urban Planning and Chinese Migration", American Sociological Association (ASA) Annual Conference, New York, US, 2013
"Becoming Emigrants: Migration and Urban Change", Association for Asian Studies (AAS) Annual Conference, San Diego, US, 2013
"Building Human Capacities: How Vancouver Promotes Human Development Through Immigrant Integration Program", Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Annual Conference, Beijing, China, 2011
"The Janus Face of Belonging: The Role of Chinese in Place-Making in Transnational Vancouver", Pacific World in Motion Conference, Vancouver, Canada, 2010
"Transnational Social Space and Community Planning in Vancouver", Association of American Geographers (AAG) Annual Conference, Las Vegas, US, 2009
"Rethinking State and Rural Migrants: the Emergence of a Disciplinary Order in Contemporary China", East-West Center International Conference, Honolulu, US, 2006
Association of Asian Studies Travel Grant (USD $500)
UBC PhD Fellowship (CAD$32,000)
Amacon-Beasley Education Fund for Excellence in Urban Planning (CAD$2,000)
UBC School of Community and Regional Planning Travel Grant (CAD$500)
UBC Graduate Travel Grant (CAD$400)
Brahm Wisement Memorial Scholarship (CAD$2,000)
The Challenges of Agrarian Transition in Southeast Asia Doctoral Research Grant (CAD$10,000)
UBC Graduate Entrance Scholarship (CAD$4,500)
Southeast University Fellowship (CAD$500)
Feng, Lisi. 2019. "Canada's Cosmopolis on the Coast: How Immigration Has Shaped and Reshaped Vancouver", Coauthored with Michael Leaf, Reclaiming Vancouver: Challenges of Restructuring, Resilience and Sustainability in the Transnational Metropolis, UBC Press, 2019
Feng, Lisi. 2011. "Planning and Local Citizenship: How Migrants Become Active Citizens in Vancouver" in Critical Planning, 18. UCLA Press,
"Planning for Diversity? A Case Study of Mainland Chinese in Vancouver, Canada", presented at Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) Annual Conference. Houston, US. 2015.
"Migration as Place-Making: Urban Planning and Chinese Migration", presented at American Sociological Association (ASA) Annual Conference. New York, US. 2013.
"Becoming Emigrants: Migration and Urban Change", presented at Association for Asian Studies (AAS) Annual Conference. San Diego, US. 2013.
"Building Human Capacities: How Vancouver Promotes Human Development Through Immigrant Integration Program", presented at Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Annual Conference. Beijing, China. 2011.
"The Janus Face of Belonging: The Role of Chinese in Place-Making in Transnational Vancouver", presented at Pacific World in Motion Conference. Vancouver, Canada. 2010.
"Transnational Social Space and Community Planning in Vancouver", presented at Association of American Geographers (AAG) Annual Conference. Las Vegas, US.
2009.
"Rethinking State and Rural Migrants: the Emergence of a Disciplinary Order in Contemporary China", presented at East-West Center International Conference. Honolulu, US. 2006.