Neal McKenna

Neal McKenna is currently the Project Manager of the Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies (LRCCS) at the University of Michigan. Neal develops and supports new initiatives and projects for the center including China-related conferences, symposia, workshops and programming for students, faculty, experts, practitioners and the general public. Neal also runs the LRCCS Postdoctoral Fellows program, supports Chinese visiting scholars at U-M, and manages the China Internship Initiative for undergraduate students. At the International Institute Neal enjoys collaborating with his amazing colleagues, and serves on the Inclusive Culture & DEI Committee.

Neal graduated with a BA in Asian Studies from the University of Redlands in 2009, after which he spent three years living and working in China, including teaching English and representing an American wood products company in their trade with Chinese companies. Neal got his MA in Chinese Studies at the University of Michigan in 2016 and immediately went to work for LRCCS where he is proud to contribute to our great tradition of Chinese Studies.

Neal’s research and engagement interests include US-China relations at both national and subnational levels; Chinese media, especially WeChat and social media; and China’s political and cultural engagement with the Global South. Neal lives near Ann Arbor, MI with his wife and dog; his personal hobbies include soccer, cooking, home improvement, trying not to fall off his mountain bike and adjusting to life as a new dad!