Qisen’s research focuses on modern architecture and visual culture in socialist countries, with an emphasis on Sino-Soviet exchange. He entered the PhD program in 2020, after receiving his B.A. in History of Art and European Studies from Vanderbilt University, where his thesis comparing early socialist architecture in China and Yugoslavia earned highest honors. He received Buchanan Library Fellowship to develop data for Architectura Sinica, a digital Chinese architectural history archive for cultural heritage preservation. Qisen has previously held internships at Cai Guo-Qiang Studio, the Frist Art Museum, and Christie’s.
