The Center for Asia Pacific Studies welcomes its newest cohort of undergraduate and graduate students into the Asia Bridge Fellowship program. Over the coming year, each of these outstanding young scholars–from a range of majors and programs across the university–will prepare a research paper and presentation on an Asia Pacific topic of their choice, organize on-campus events, and build their academic and professional network as they work with mentors in the field.

We’re proud to have these fellows join our Center for Asia Pacific Studies community and look forward to helping them hone the research and professional skills that will serve them in their studies and future careers.

Please see our Asia Bridge Fellows for the Academic Year 2024-2025:

Undergraduate Fellows

 

 

Why I chose USF?
I was drawn to USF because of its philosophy on education. The university not only prepares students for successful careers but also instills a sense of responsibility that comes with the privilege of higher education. USF encourages students to reflect on this privilege and use their knowledge to uplift those who haven’t had the same opportunities.

Why I am interested in the Asia Pacific? 
The Asia-Pacific region plays a central role in today’s globalized world. With nearly every major global event having ties to this region, understanding the Asia-Pacific is essential to grasping the larger dynamics of international relations and economic trends.

 

 

Why I chose USF?
I initially chose USF because I was interested in St. Ignatius Institute, a Great Books Program and living-learning community on campus. USF is a beautiful school close to home that one of my paternal grandmother’s friends attended to become a nun back when Lone Mountain was a women’s college. Both the lore and living Jesuit values aligned with that of my ideal undergraduate experience, so I was happy to accept my offer.

Why I am interested in the Asia Pacific? 
Before political turmoil compelled a shift to more practical paths, my maternal ancestors belonged to a literati family in Hanoi, Vietnam for generations. Browsing their archives of art and essays online has been a lifelong source of curiosity. In college, I decided to explore this passion more seriously by publishing my own contributions. As someone with Asian and American family, I’m especially interested in cross-cultural translation, which is at the heart of my efforts as both a relative and an aspiring academic.

 

 

Why I chose USF?
I chose USF because the Bay Area has always been home! I’ve always wanted to live in San Francisco and the opportunity to live in such a vibrant city while pursuing my education was a perfect fit.

Why I am interested in the Asia Pacific? 
As a Vietnamese American, I have always had a personal connection to the Asia Pacific region. My Public Health courses have deepened my understanding of global health disparities, and I am particularly drawn to addressing inequities both in the U.S. and abroad.

 

 

Why I chose USF?
I chose USF because I wanted to be immersed in a diverse environment.

Why I am interested in the Asia Pacific? 
I am interested in the Asia Pacific because I want to learn more about where my family comes from.

 

 

Why I chose USF?
I chose USF because of its reputation for being diverse. I am interested in hearing from people with all kinds of backgrounds and philosophies. The fame of San Francisco as one of the must-visit cities in the States also contributed to my choice.

Why I am interested in the Asia Pacific? 
I am originally from the Asia Pacific and have understood life in the area from a certain perspective. I am interested in learning, through research, more alternative experiences and thus providing insights for people to understand, interpret, and resonate with life in the Asia Pacific.

 

 

Why I chose USF?
I chose USF because I admired the institution’s social justice values and its location in a city that I’ve always seen myself living in. I love the diversity and community that San Francisco has; it has always felt like a second home to me growing up.

Why I am interested in the Asia Pacific? 
I grew up surrounded by predominantly Asian communities and influences. With this, I have used my experiences to understand the histories of the Asia Pacific and further my knowledge on its cultural aspects.

 

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Graduate Fellows

 

 

Why I chose USF?
I chose USF because I wanted to become immersed in a city that has had great influence on the world (but also not leave California!) and experience a smaller more socially committed University than that of my undergraduate institution.

Why I am interested in the Asia Pacific? 
The Asia-Pacific region holds some of the strongest economies and industries in the world and its influence is so easily downplayed in Western society. For this reason, understanding the policy decisions that feed the region’s economy are essential to understanding what’s next for nations globally.

 

 

Why I chose USF?
I went to high school in Mountain View and wished to stay in the Bay Area when applying to college. I loved my college experience here at USF. As I completed my undergraduate studies, I thought spending two more years in this beautiful institution to pursue a slightly different field of study in the humanities was best. In addition, there is just something magical about San Francisco that is hard to put into words.

Why I am interested in the Asia Pacific? 
I was born and raised in China, and my undergraduate majors were Asian Studies and History. I always had a great interest in East Asian literature and culture. Over the past few years, several very supportive professors have enhanced my passion in this field.

 

 

Why I chose USF?
I chose USF because of its location and the reputation of its Economics department. I am pursuing the 4+1 MSIDEC program, so it is just one more extra year for me to get a master’s degree.

Why I am interested in the Asia Pacific? 
I am from China, and I am always fascinated by its political-economic system.

 

 

Why I chose USF?
I chose USF because of the MSIS program and its location in the Bay Area. I believe San Francisco is a beautiful place to live, with its diversity in people and nature. There is always something to do and there’s always something going on. It has a very vibrant and dynamic culture compared to other US cities. The MSIS program aligns with my career goals and it’s situated in one of the most popular areas for my field (product management).

Why I am interested in the Asia Pacific? 
My mother is from Singapore, and from a young age, she introduced me to her Asian roots. During undergrad, I had the opportunity to further explore my love for Asia by joining a business project in Bangkok and studying an Asian Business program in Hong Kong. From there, I also traveled frequently to Singapore to visit family and further discover my heritage. I have always been fascinated by the Asia Pacific, because of its rich culture and traditions.

 

 

Why I chose USF?
I chose USF not because of its location, but the diversity of the student body and the program itself. I think the program itself along with the platform that USF offers would allow me to integrate my personal and professional experience, and transfer my work not only on the community scale but also at global standard.

Why I am interested in the Asia Pacific? 
I am interested in this program with Center for Asia Pacific Studies not only because my race and my ethnicity identity, but also as an international student who has been in United States almost ten years, I also have come across to realize that being a “bridge” that connect people globally is my calling and it has become one of visions. Since I had previous experience involved with international multicultural affairs, I have always sought stages to continuing my work in the global network, and Asia Bridge Fellows is a type of program that both fit my academic and professional interests.

 

 

Why I chose USF?
I value USF’s emphasis on social justice and commitment to San Francisco.

Why I am interested in the Asia Pacific? 
I have had the opportunity to travel to this region a few times and always return in awe of the diversity and rich culture. I also have family ties to India.