About Us

Professor Hong Yang is the Director of the U.S.-China Institute and the Confucius Institute. He joined the Science and Technology faculty at Bryant University in 1998 and founded the "Environmental Studies in China" program in 1999. His teaching and research interests include geology, molecular biology, and environmental science.

Professor Yang has earned degrees from institutions in China and the United States:

• Ph.D. in Geology and Paleobotany, College of Earth Resources, University of Idaho, 1993
• M.S. in Botany and Paleobotany, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 1988
• B.S. in Earth Science, with honors, Wuhan College, P.R. China, 1985

In addition to his work at Bryant, Dr. Yang is a research professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at Yale University and a visiting professor at four Chinese universities. His academic accomplishments include:

• Alfred P. Sloan Fellow
• Public Intellectual Fellow, National Committee on U.S.-China Relations
• Edited two books and published over 40 scientific papers in peer reviewed journals
• Distinguished Faculty Member award, Bryant University, 2006

> Hide Bio

Kongli Liu joined the U.S.-China Institute in 2007. Prior to his work at Bryant, Mr. Liu worked for three years at Primary Source, a Massachusetts-based non-profit education center, providing professional development programs for educators on Chinese history, culture, and language. He also led American educator study trips to China and Japan. In China, Mr. Liu taught English at the University of International Relations in Beijing and Beijing New Oriental School.

Mr. Liu holds a Master's degree in Education from Harvard University and MA and BA degrees in English Language and Literature from the University of International Relations in Beijing. Appointed by the Massachusetts Commissioner of Education, Mr. Liu is a current member of the Global Education Advisory Council at the Massachusetts Department of Education. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Sino-American Bridge for Education and Health (SABEH). Mr. Liu is a frequent speaker on Chinese education and culture for students, educators, professionals, and communities.

> Hide Bio

With extensive experience in project/program management and coordination, Kun Xie joined the U.S.-China Institute at Bryant University as program coordinator for the Confucius Institute in 2007.

Ms. Xie's previous experience includes working at the China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC Corp.) as a project manager overseeing and facilitating international cooperation projects for four years. Utilizing her experience and expertise, Ms. Xie then worked for GTECH Corporation as an analyst, conducting in-depth research on business practices and cultural environment of emerging markets. Most recently she worked for the Rhode Island Export Assistant Center as a research assistant and working on environmental education projects for K-12 students in Rhode Island.

Ms. Xie received a Master's in Business Administration from Bryant University and a B.S. in Economics from Tianjin University of Finance and Economics in China.

> Hide Bio

Christina Ho is a Bryant University alumnus with her degree in International Business. She joined the Confucius Institute at Bryant University in September 2010.

Her previous positions have included working as a Student Ambassador at the USA National Pavilion at the World Expo Shanghai 2010, an Assistant Manager at Sugi Japanese Steakhouse, a Consultant to the Rhode Island Board of Tourism to assess the readiness of New England to host Chinese outbound tourists, an Intern at Juno Resources Group, Inc working on international recruitment and human resource management in New York City, and an environmental Teaching Intern at Roots and Shoots Shanghai.

She has had significant experience abroad, with visits to over 20 countries--traveling, studying, and working. She has studied Chinese in Taiwan and Shanghai and is fluent in the Shanghai dialect, and conversational Spanish.

> Hide Bio

Justin Paulsen joined the US-China Institute at Bryant in the fall of 2011, coming off of two years teaching English in China at various levels.  His most recent position was at Xiamen No.1 high school, focused on preparing Chinese students for western universities and tests (IELTS, TOEFL, and SAT).  Following this position, Justin backpacked China and India, volunteered in Nepal, and traveled to a variety of other locations in Asia.

Justin received a Bachelor’s in both Marketing and Finance from Marist College in 2009 and was a Dean’s Circle representative.  During an abroad study in college he interned at a non-profit organization called the Consumers’ Association of Ireland, where he edited and wrote for their monthly magazine Consumer Choice .  After returning from Europe, he interned full-time with Bose in the noise-reduction technology department, compiling industry related market research and estimating market potential.

> Hide Bio

Zhengxiang (Jason) Wang joined the U.S.-China Institute at Bryant University as an Academic Coordinator in March 2012.  He is a Bryant University alumnus with a BS in Marketing and study focus on Global Supply Chain Management.

Prior to his present position, Jason worked as an Assistant Manager to assist in the development of international/local marketing and sales for both Chinese and American companies. He interned at the U.S.-China Institute and engaged in Institute’s major events. He was also a consultant for Chinese and American companies on policies and procedures of cross cultural business. Meanwhile, he instructed American and international students in the language and culture exchange programs. Jason is bilingual and familiar with educational systems and cultures of both China and U.S.

> Hide Bio