Natalie Smith

Natalie Smith is pursuing a Masters in International and Regional Studies with a specialization in Chinese Studies and a Master of Social Work. Her research focuses on contemporary Chinese history, statecraft, authoritarianism, and gender & sexuality studies. During her undergraduate experience at the University of Michigan, she took part in a two-semester study abroad program at the University of Nanjing. Natalie has also published a comparative honors thesis on the topic of China and Taiwan and how regime type and political history have impacted their diverging acceptance of homosexuality. She hopes to deepen her knowledge of contemporary Chinese history, governance, and diplomacy while completing her master’s degree.