| Jonathan is interested in the relationship between cultural heritage and regional development, especially the dichotomous role of cultural tourism as an engine for economic growth and threat to socio-cultural values. His current research focuses on this topic within the Chinese context, considering the rampant change that has occurred as the result of rapid urbanization and expansion, drastically increased domestic tourism, and changes in society.
During his academic and professional career, Jonathan has worked on historic architectural and archaeological sites in China, Egypt, Pakistan, and France as both an art historian and a heritage professional. From 2001 to 2009, he worked as a Project Specialist with the Getty Conservation Institute developing conservation methodology and practice on World Heritage Sites in China and Egypt, actively training local professionals in heritage site management and condition assessment techniques, while conducting research on visitor carrying capacity determination and wood coatings durability. He has simultaneously continued his involvement with Kham Aid Foundation, first as director of its cultural heritage conservation program, then as a Board member and advisor. Jonathan is an expert member of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committees for Earthen Architectural Heritage (ISCEAH), Archaeological Heritage Management (ICAHM), and Cultural Tourism (ICTC). |
