His research interests include international political economy, international institutions, Asian politics, democratization and human rights. He has extensive field work experience in China. Prior to joining Hamline University, he obtained a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, an MA in international studies and a BA in English (Diplomacy) from Beijing Foreign Affairs College, China. Professor Zhang also holds a graduate certificate from Johns Hopkins University-Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Studies.