Hsiao-Chen J. Lin (they/them) is a PhD student and studying Taiwan through the lens of sociopolitical anthropology at SOAS University of London.
Current Project
Lin’s current research interest surrounds the politicisation of trade in the context of Taiwan-China relations. Lin will be conducting fieldwork in Taiwanese science parks in order to participant-observe the everyday lives of those who form the semiconductor industry.
SOAS University of London
Anthropology and Sociology, MPhil/PhD
2023 – Current
Lin is extending their MPhil thesis project while pivoting simultaneously to tackle the topics of how geopolitical conflict interacts with trade by studying the so-called ‘silicone shield’ (against Chinese invasion) of the semiconductor industry in Taiwan.
University of Oxford
Social Anthropology, MPhil, Distinction
2020 – 2022
At the University of Oxford, Lin conducted fieldwork in Taiwan studying the Taiwanese ‘cotton doll’ enthusiasts’ community and their political conflict with their Chinese counterparts, and the strategies of resistances they developed in everyday life. Lin received distinction for their thesis under the guidance of Dr. Ina Zharkevich.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Visual and Critical Studies, Bachelor of Arts
2013 – 2020
Lin studied in the Department of Visual and Critical Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), one of the US’ top-ranking art schools, under the guidance of Prof. Karen Morris, Prof. Maud Lavin, and Prof. Suma Ikeuchi. Lin focused their curriculum on sociocultural anthropology and pop culture critique. Lin took a leave of absence from 2014 to 2018 for medical reasons and opportunities to study abroad in Japan.
Osaka Designers’ College
Computer Graphics & Game Design, Senmonshi
2016–2018
At Osaka Designer’s College (ODC), Lin entered a program designed for Japanese students with intentions to enter Japan’s booming videogame industry. It is at here that Lin received a fully culturally immersive experience and that Lin realized the potential of the cross-section of ethnographic studies and popular culture.
Kansai University
Japanese Language & Culture, Certificate
2015–2016
Lin first relocated to Osaka, Japan, and enrolled in the Japanese Language & Culture program at Kansai University (KU) that is designed for international students to build a foundation of Japanese language skills and construct a holistic understanding of Japanese culture and history. Lin also taught peer-courses on English pronunciations and worked as a TA for English-speaking courses.
