Chen Zhang is a Ph.D. student in Sociology at the University of Notre Dame. He graduated from UC San Diego in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (High Distinction) and Political Science. His academic interests focus on exploring the intricate ways individuals interact with political and cultural institutions, particularly on how certain actors enable individuals to overcome the structural limitations imposed by these institutions.
Currently, Chen's research examines how online social networks empower undocumented Chinese immigrants to undertake the risky journey through Latin America to the southern border of the U.S., helping them overcome restrictions in their home country and the challenges of illegality in their destination country.