Sharon Zhang

Sharon Zhang's dissertation investigates material and cultural exchanges involved in gift-giving rituals between China and the broader world, particularly as reflected in foreign relations during the Mongol-Yuan period (13th-14th centuries). Sharon’s broader research interests include cross-cultural encounters in Middle Period China (ca. 800-1400), the experiences of medieval Eurasian travelers along the overland and maritime Silk Roads, and spatial and digital approaches for premodern history studies. During her doctoral studies, Sharon conducts preliminary research as a visiting student scholar at UC Berkeley (2022-2023) and Stanford University (2024). She currently serves as Graduate Student Assistant in the World History Center at the University of Pittsburgh.