International Spotlight: Ziming Dong

Which program/department are you in?

I am a Visiting Scholar at the Weatherhead East Asian Institute.

What is your primary area of study or research? 

New Media & Social Media Communication.

Which country (or countries) do you come from?

China.

How long have you been in the U.S.?

Over a month.

Is there anything you’d like to share about your research or projects?

My study focuses the communication effects of mobile social media in Western China. As social communication changes in Western China, I am investigating:

• How has mobile social media changed people's lives, especially in the Sino-Tibetan areas of Western China?
• What information do they transmit via social media?
• What is the difference between the modern and traditional ways of communication?

I am investigating these questions to find a place of equal communication between different technological levels.

What do you like best about living in the U.S.?

New York is an amazing city and I am impressed by its maturity and vitality. During the week, I enjoy running in Central Park, eating Shake Shack hamburgers, drinking Starbucks coffee, sitting in Columbia University’s Butler Library, and reading and studying. On weekends, I like to visit the Met Museum and take walks in the High Line Park.

What is the hardest thing about living here?

I'm not used to the western-style food. It's not hard to buy food to cook, but it's difficult to do it daily for a whole year. New York has made me a good housewife.

What do you know now that you wish you knew before coming here?

Many people told me that New York has everything and to not bring too much stuff. Don't believe it! New York has everything, but it takes time to adapt to the environment and know where to find things.

Are you (or do you know) an international student, scholar, or alumni?

We’re looking to spotlight stories of academic or professional work, leadership, or personal adjustment to life at Columbia and NY in particular and the U.S. in general.

Submit our nomination form and we'll contact you with the next steps!