Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025 | Time: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM (CST/UTC+8)
Venue: DKU Visitor Center | Language: English | Format: Hybrid
With warmth, reflection, and purpose, the DKU Women in Academia Retreat returned in Spring 2025, drawing together faculty and staff for a full day of meaningful exchange, collective empowerment, and community building. Supported by the Faculty Development Committee and the Office of Faculty Affairs, the retreat spotlighted women’s roles and voices in academia while creating space to dream, connect, and lead.
Opening Session: Welcome and Vision
The morning began with opening remarks by Prof. Meifang Chen, Chair of DKU Women in Academia, alongside Registrar and Dean of Academic Services Lingling Wang and Full Professor and the co-director of Global Health Fujie Xu, whose words set a tone of inclusivity and inspiration. Framed by a sunny spring backdrop, participants were invited to engage not only as listeners but as collaborators in a shared mission of visibility, equity, and progress.
Morning Panel: Empowering Female Students
Moderated by Professor Renee Richer, this vibrant session brought together panelists across the social sciences and humanities—including Professors Hyun Jeong Ha, Yeshim Iqbal, Lei Lin, and student representative Ola Stryjska. The panel unpacked what it means to mentor and support female students in cross-cultural, interdisciplinary contexts, sparking dialogue on mental health, identity, and academic confidence.
The panel highlighted that empowerment stems from both mentorship and representation, as seeing role models and receiving guidance play a crucial role in fostering confidence. Faculty-student dynamics are most effective when grounded in openness and flexibility, creating a supportive environment that adapts to individual needs. Additionally, students gain strength and resilience when they feel heard, seen, and supported, emphasizing the importance of nurturing inclusive and empathetic academic spaces.
Women in Academia Awards
During the WiA Retreat, the WiA Recognition Awards were presented to honor faculty members for their exceptional contributions, including their supportive nature, exemplary leadership, positive attitudes, outstanding accomplishments, commitment to DKU, dedication to mentorship, and their ability to overcome challenges.
Afternoon Panel: Women in Academia in China
Led by Lecturer Junyi Li, this session delved into the evolving academic landscape in China, with panelists Jiawen Cai, Prof. Kwang Leong Choy, Prof. Selina Henderson, Prof. Xin Jin, and Prof. Jinhua Li sharing experiences across generations, fields, and leadership roles.
The panel explored the complexities of navigating dual expectations, balancing professional demands with cultural norms. The challenges of achieving visibility in male-dominated spaces were also a central focus, shedding light on the obstacles women frequently encounter in such environments. Additionally, the panel emphasized the importance of collective strategies for driving institutional change, underscoring the need for collaboration and systemic support to create more equitable academic spaces.
Bonding Activities & Creative Closure
The retreat concluded with a creative session on plant micro-landscapes, offering a hands-on activity to relax and reflect. Participants designed their own tiny botanical worlds, symbolizing growth, balance, and the nurturing environments we strive to build for women in academia.
Reflections and Future Directions
This year’s retreat underscored the power of space—space to speak, to connect, to imagine. From candid conversations to collaborative moments, the event centered on the urgent need for institutional change and the importance of being visible, supportive role models for the next generation of women at DKU. Together, we reaffirmed our shared commitment to creating a more inclusive and empowering academic environment—within and beyond the university.
If you’re interested in future events or becoming part of DKU Women in Academia, stay tuned—and get involved!
DKU WiA Academia Group Members
- Stephanie Anderson
Assistant Professor of Literature and Creative Writing
✉️ stephanie.anderson@dukekunshan.edu.cn - Meifang Chen (Chair of DKU Women in Academia Group)
Assistant Professor of Health Policy
✉️ meifang.chen@dukekunshan.edu.cn - Mengtian Chen
Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics
✉️ mengtian.chen@dukekunshan.edu.cn - Domna Kotsifaki
Assistant Professor of Physics
✉️ domna.kotsifaki@dukekunshan.edu.cn - Junyi Li
Lecturer of English Language
✉️ junyi.li@dukekunshan.edu.cn - Renee Richer
Associate Professor of Biology
✉️ renee.richer@dukekunshan.edu.cn - Qian Zhu
Assistant Professor of History
✉️ qian.zhu77@dukekunshan.edu.cn - Wen Zhou
Assistant Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology
✉️ wen.zhou@dukekunshan.edu.cn