Chinese Londoners in Third Space: The digital and material making of an urban diaspora

Stephanie’s doctoral research explores diaspora identity, community, and their formation from a spatial perspective, drawing primarily from Edward Soja’s trialectics of spatiality to inform an understanding of diaspora through the Third Space of the city. Third Space is a site that exceeds the sum of its parts, encapsulating the interplay between physical place and digital communication, but extending beyond both to produce a fresh and generative space. Stephanie’s work endeavors to reconceptualize diaspora in urban contexts as Third Space, taking the Chinese diaspora in London as a case study to produce an account of everyday processes of identity and placemaking in the digital age.

Biography

Stephanie’s doctoral research sits at the intersection of diaspora, media, and urban studies. Her work draws inspiration from her vocation supporting those who undertake the risks and pursue the possibilities of migration as well as her family’s own lived experiences as part of the Chinese diaspora throughout the Anglosphere and elsewhere.

Prior to embarking on her PhD, Stephanie worked in international development and humanitarian aid following a brief foray into the field of public relations. Over the years, Stephanie’s work has ranged broadly, covering intersectional themes including trafficking in persons, livelihoods and food security, governance, and sexual and reproductive health, among others. Geographically, Stephanie has focused primarily on the Asia Pacific, having specialized on the Pacific Rim in her studies and worked with various international and non-governmental organizations throughout the region (Philippines, Myanmar). Throughout the bulk of her PhD, Stephanie also worked with Save the Children International’s Migration and Displacement Initiative, where she oversees the development, implementation, and management of innovative tools and programs to support migrant and displaced communities.

Stephanie holds an MSc in Global Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science and B.A.s in Communication and International Relations from the University of Southern California.

Supervisors: Professor Myria Georgiou and Dr Wendy Willems.