Lotus Ruan is a researcher at The Citizen Lab, University of Toronto. Her research focuses on the interplay of the state and private companies in terms of Internet management and innovation in the digital age with an area focus on China. Prior to joining University of Toronto, Lotus received her master's degree in Asia Pacific Policy Studies at the University of British Columbia and worked as a journalist and news editor in China for two years. She also frequently writes about Chinese politics and social issues for English media outlets including Foreign Policy, The Diplomat, and Tech in Asia.