The Paris 2024 Olympics may be over, but for doctoral candidate Zikun Li, discovering societal implications of the Olympic games is an ongoing pursuit.
Zikun is a doctoral candidate in the PhD in Education Program. She is currently completing her dissertation titled “Understanding Refugees’ Meaning-Making Through the Lens of Sports.” Her research recently opened doors for her to connect with fellow scholars from around the world at the International Olympic Academy Postgraduate Seminar in Olympia, Greece.
What initially interested you in pursuing your PhD in Education with an interdisciplinary specialization?
“As an international student with a bachelor’s degree in sport management from China and a master’s degree in sport management from the U.S., I have observed both the commonalities and more critically, the differences in how sports are understood and played in two different cultures. The intersection between sport management and the societal role of sport has sparked my fascination with the broader social dimensions of sports.
In light of the global challenges we face today, I am particularly interested in exploring how sport can contribute to meaningful conversations around social development and peacebuilding. This passion led me to pursue a PhD in Education with an interdisciplinary specialization in sport for development and peace, a field dedicated to examining whether, why, and how sport can promote social progress and foster peace.”
What are you currently researching?
“My current research focuses on issues at the intersection of sports, health, migration, gender, and marginalization. I collaborate with various faculty scholars within the College of Education and Human Development, the Institute for Immigration Research at George Mason (IIR), and scholars in the field of Sport and Recreation.
These opportunities arose from my proactive approach to embracing any research experiences that came my way, as well as establishing professional connections and networks with colleagues around me.
My interdisciplinary training has also enabled me to meet students and faculty from different colleges. For instance, a sociology course I took allowed me to discover that there is also a group of researchers examining sport and immigration outside of the School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management. I volunteered to contribute to their work and have since become actively involved in their research.”
How has your participation in research shaped your career goals?
“Much of my research has focused on understanding the perception and use of sports among marginalized populations, such as people of color, undocumented immigrants, and refugees. Through this work, I have come to realize that academic perspectives on sports are still heavily influenced by a Western-centric worldview, often neglecting diverse voices. This realization drives my aspiration to continue as a scholar after completing my PhD, with a focus on amplifying the perspectives that have been largely overlooked. I hope that through my academic contributions, sport can be recognized as a heterogeneous social entity, continuously shaped by the cultures, social norms, and identities that engage with it.”
I hope that through my academic contributions, sport can be recognized as a heterogeneous social entity, continuously shaped by the cultures, social norms, and identities that engage with it.
Zikun Li
What were the highlights of the Postgraduate Seminar at the International Olympic Academy?
“This 20-day seminar in Olympia, Greece, was truly an unforgettable experience for me. I not only met and built friendships with students and scholars from around the world who share a genuine passion for the Olympic Games and Olympic spirit, but more importantly, this learning journey provided me with a chronological and evolving understanding of Olympism – one not just as a symbol, but as a philosophy and a way of thinking about sports.
As Winston Churchill once said, “The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” The insights I gained about the origins and evolution of Olympic sports will serve as a cornerstone for my future academic inquiry into how sport can contribute to addressing today’s pressing social challenges and shaping the future.”
Do you have any advice to share with students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree or getting involved in research?
“For students considering pursuing a PhD, I recommend not only exploring research opportunities within your field but also maintaining an open mind and seeking opportunities beyond your department. As research today becomes increasingly interdisciplinary, gaining diverse perspectives can be highly beneficial. Taking courses outside your field of study and connecting with students and scholars from a wide range of disciplines will not only enrich your academic journey but also broaden and even transform the understanding in your research topic, which may foster more innovative and well-rounded research.”
For students considering pursuing a PhD, I recommend not only exploring research opportunities within your field but also maintaining an open mind and seeking opportunities beyond your department.
Zikun Li