BA in History

Zi Yang, 2014

Do you have a particular standout course or professor from your time as an undergraduate student? 

I very much enjoyed Prof. Lair’s course on the Vietnam War, which allowed me to examine the conflict from competing perspectives and drove me to think critically about the war's legacy. Her assignments challenged me to question and even rethink my own established beliefs, laying the cornerstones for my future scholarly ventures. 

What activities were you involved in during your time at Mason that impacted you the most?  

I volunteered with a few campus organizations that expanded my professional network and broadened my horizons. Furthermore, I had an opportunity to co-author a book chapter with a professor, which strengthened my academic portfolio and paved the path to graduate education. 

Reflecting on your time at Mason, what is one piece of advice you would give a student who is just starting off on their Mason journey?  

Undergraduate studies are a prime time for exploration. Students should go beyond their comfort zones and take courses outside their existing interests. Many unexpected discoveries await! 

What is your next step?

Now, I am a Research Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Also, I serve as the Deputy Coordinator of the Master of Science in International Relations Program at RSIS. I am actively engaged in various research and teaching projects, with my long-term goal being to secure a professorship in the near future.