Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Selected Conference Presentations
Academic Awards
Publications
Selected Conference Presentations
Timeline
Generic
Dr. Lisi Feng

Dr. Lisi Feng

Lecturer in Urban Sociology

Summary

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.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

China Engagement Lead

Tel Aviv University
7 2021 - Current

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.

Editor and Academic Advisor

Freelance
09.2019 - Current

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.

Senior Policy Analyst and Research Specialist

Ministry of Children and Family Development
07.2018 - 08.2019

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.

Bilingual Academic Liaison (on Contract)

Urban Design Institute of Shanghai Tongji University
7 2018 - 07.2018

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.

Research Associate

Institute of Asian Research (IAR), University of British Columbia
12.2016 - 12.2017

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.

Doctoral Researcher in Urban Studies

School of Community and Regional Planning, University of British Columbia
09.2007 - 05.2015

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.

University Lecturer

School of Community and Regional Planning, UBC
09.2013 - 12.2013

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.

Research Assistant

Department of Sociology, UBC
08.2011 - 06.2012

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.

Teaching Assistant

Department of Sociology, UBC
09.2003 - 12.2005

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.

Researcher

Guangdong Development Institute, Zhongshan University
05.2003 - 07.2003

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.

Education

Ph.D. - Urban Sociology

UBC
Vancouver, Canada
04.2001 -

Master of Arts - Sociology

UBC
Vancouver, Canada
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Arts - English Language And Literature

Southeast University
Nanjing, China
04.2001 -

Skills

Adaptability and Flexibility

Languages

Cantonese, Mandarin
Native language
English (native fluency)
Proficient
C2
Hebrew (elementary)
Elementary
A2

Selected Conference Presentations

"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

Academic Awards

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)

Publications

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,

Selected Conference Presentations

"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.

Timeline

Editor and Academic Advisor

Freelance
09.2019 - Current

Senior Policy Analyst and Research Specialist

Ministry of Children and Family Development
07.2018 - 08.2019

Research Associate

Institute of Asian Research (IAR), University of British Columbia
12.2016 - 12.2017

University Lecturer

School of Community and Regional Planning, UBC
09.2013 - 12.2013

Research Assistant

Department of Sociology, UBC
08.2011 - 06.2012

Doctoral Researcher in Urban Studies

School of Community and Regional Planning, University of British Columbia
09.2007 - 05.2015

Teaching Assistant

Department of Sociology, UBC
09.2003 - 12.2005

Researcher

Guangdong Development Institute, Zhongshan University
05.2003 - 07.2003

Ph.D. - Urban Sociology

UBC
04.2001 -

Master of Arts - Sociology

UBC
04.2001 -

Bachelor of Arts - English Language And Literature

Southeast University
04.2001 -

China Engagement Lead

Tel Aviv University
7 2021 - Current

Bilingual Academic Liaison (on Contract)

Urban Design Institute of Shanghai Tongji University
7 2018 - 07.2018
Dr. Lisi FengLecturer in Urban Sociology