Prof. Whitefield joined the VU History faculty in 2002.

His primary research interest is in the intersection of late-Qing intellectual trends and Protestant mission Christianity in China. He is finishing work on a manuscript entitled: "Truth Wherever Found: The Christian Literature Society for China 1887-1911." He is also an observer of the modern house church movement in China and maintains contact with that community.

His teaching areas include the history and culture of China and Japan. 

Prof. Whitefield is a member of the Chinese and Japanese Studies program and has led numerous trips for students and faculty to Asia.

His non-academic interests include chairmanship of his church outreach committee, international travel, Scrabble, and snowboarding.