Welcoming the 2026 Shansi Fellows to China

Over the next two weeks, we are sharing short bios for the newest members of the Shansi family, who will be heading to China, India, Indonesia, and Japan as Shansi Fellows this summer.

This spring we are excited to have two fellows headed to China! Kayla Kim ‘25 and Nathaniel Liu ‘26 will both teach English at Shanxi Agricultural University, our historical partner.

Kayla Kim ‘25 graduated with a degree in Anthropology and minors in Writing and Communication and History. At Oberlin, Kayla was involved with peer support and education, working as a Peer Advising Leader, a Ninde Scholars tutor, and a Writing/Speaking Associate. She conducted research on sports nationalism within South Korean short-track speed skating and received a 2024 Shansi In-Asia Grant to Seoul and Gangneung, South Korea. After graduating, she expanded on her work in the Writing Center by serving as the Writing Associates Program Coordinator. In this role, she focused on making the Writing Center an accessible and inclusive space for all students through outreach and engagement. Outside of work, Kayla sings as an alto with the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus and volunteers at Oberlin Community Services. As a Shansi Fellow, Kayla is excited to engage in cross-cultural connections and empower students through written and verbal communication.

Nathaniel Liu ‘26 majored in Environmental Studies, East Asian Studies, and Politics, with a minor in Geosciences. While at Oberlin, he wrote his Honors Thesis in Environmental Studies about the role of nonprofits in Maine rural planning. Nathaniel was a chair of the Green EDGE Fund, a peer tutor in Economics and Mandarin, and the Student Supervisor for Rideline, Oberlin’s nighttime student shuttle service. He regularly played folk cello at the Oberlin Farmer’s Market and community contra dances. At home in Maine, Nathaniel has served on the Board of Directors for his local land trust for almost five years, an experience that inspired his interest in his Honors Thesis and now, his Shansi Fellowship. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Nathaniel is eager to engage with scientific communities at Shanxi Agricultural University and to learn more about the effects of urbanization on agricultural practices and land management.