About Me
Hi, I’m Todd, a proud Iowa native from the riverside town of LeClaire. I hold both an MA in Asian Civilizations and an MBA with concentrations in Management, Innovation, and Risk Management & Insurance from the University of Iowa. Together, these degrees reflect my dual commitment to deep scholarly inquiry and practical leadership. My academic research focuses on Chinese history, politics, and culture, especially the evolving relationship between China and the West during the Ming and Qing dynasties. At the same time, my MBA has strengthened my expertise in business communication, organizational strategy, and leadership, skills I apply in both academic and professional contexts.
My most recent research examines how the British East India Company’s shifting trade practices after losing its monopoly in India influenced Western perceptions of China and shaped enduring patterns in Sino-Western relations. Just as this work highlights how global exchanges transform institutions, my MBA experience has equipped me to analyze and lead complex organizations navigating change, risk, and innovation.
Before transitioning fully into academia, I spent over a decade in business leadership. In 2016, I opened a Chinese restaurant in Iowa City that began as a baozi-focused concept and quickly grew into a full-service dining experience. Two years later, I purchased and revitalized a local coffee shop, transforming it into a thriving community space. Both ventures became sites of experiential learning, where I mentored and employed students from diverse academic backgrounds, reflecting my commitment to workforce readiness and professional development. I sold both businesses by 2023 to dedicate myself to research, education, and graduate study.
Alongside my entrepreneurial and academic paths, I’ve held leadership roles in higher education, supporting students through advising, teaching, accessibility services, and communication training. I’m passionate about applying research and business insights to create learning environments that are inclusive, globally aware, and responsive to the needs of diverse students, spaces where my MA and MBA training converge.
Outside of work, I live in Iowa City with my husband and our three golden retrievers. I enjoy being outdoors, exploring new places, and have been fortunate to visit ten countries so far, with many more ahead.