Ziran Zhou, MAPSS

Ziran Zhou is a Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS) student focusing on anthropology from Suining, China. “I chose UChicago for its intellectual rigor and interdisciplinary approach,” shares Zhou. 

Zhou has an interest in medical anthropology, with a focus on mental health, stigma, and cross-cultural healing practices. Zhou plans to pursue a capstone project focusing on the question, “How do cultural models of healing shape young people’s sense of agency in managing mental health?” In the future, Zhou hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in medical anthropology to continue researching mental health, stigma, and healing practices, though he has also become interested in NGOs that address health inequality. He shares, “MAPSS has prepared me for both paths by providing rigorous training in theory and research methods, as well as exposing me to interdisciplinary perspectives that strengthen my ability to framework across the social sciences.” 

So far, Zhou’s favorite course is Anthropology of Food and Cuisine. “The course reminds me that food is never just about nutrition. It is a central medium through which culture is expressed, identities are shaped, and social divisions or connections are created,” says Zhou, “It resonates with me personally as well, since food has always been an integral part of my own life and culture.” 

Zhou sees one of his biggest challenges in MAPSS as also one of its greatest strengths. “The biggest challenge has been adjusting to the interdisciplinary nature of MAPSS. I was trained primarily in anthropology and psychology, but here I am constantly exposed to fields such as history, political science, and sociology, many of which I had little prior experience with. While this has been challenging, it has also pushed me to think across boundaries, develop new analytical tools, and situate my own research in broader conversations,” explains Zhou, “For incoming MAPSS students, my advice is to embrace the challenge of being exposed to many disciplines. [...] It will broaden your perspective, sharpen your research skills, and help you frame your own work in ways that speak across the social sciences.”