Asian American Studies Resource Center Employees
Rachel Mary Lai - Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering
Alan Lin - Industrial and Labor Relations, Industrial and Labor Relations School
Steven Long - Computer Science, College of Arts and Sciences
Kelly Su - Biology and Society, College of Arts and Sciences
Asian American Studies Minors
Zain Abid - Government, College of Arts and Sciences
Tiara Belizaire* - Communication, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Aanya Bhandari** - Economics, College of Arts and Sciences
Yasmine Chim - American Studies and Information Science, College of Arts and Sciences
Sydney Kang - Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences
Ryan Kim - Government, College of Arts and Sciences
Julianna Kyungjune Lee - Agricultural Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Aishwarya Rajagopalan - Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Amelia Rajakumar - Industrial and Labor Relations, Industrial and Labor Relations School
Kelly Su - Biology and Society, College of Arts and Sciences
* cum laude
** Rawlings Presidential Research Scholar
Selections from Minor Student Bios and Reflections
Tiara Belizaire (Communication, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) graduated cum laude with minors in Asian American studies, law & society, and inequality studies.
“AASP courses have helped me to think critically about the impact that Asian Americans have had on U.S. history, literature, culture, and so much more. Additionally, the AAS coursework further examines how the experiences of Asian Americans intersect with other communities and has helped me to navigate my own identity as a first-generation Asian American student.”
――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――
Aanya Bhandari (Economics, College of Arts and Sciences) is graduating with minors in business and Asian American studies. Born and brought up in India, Aanya has always been an avid traveler and explorer which led her to pursue her higher education in the U.S., specifically at Cornell. During her time here, she has been involved in Cornell Consulting Club, previously as VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, in Cornell Financial Analysts, and as a Rawlings Presidential Research Scholar. After graduation, Aanya will be in New York City working at Citigroup as a sales and trading analyst.
“Studying within the Asian American Studies Program (AASP) has profoundly shaped my perspective as a business and economics student, igniting a deeper passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in the workplace. Through coursework in Asian American studies, I’ve delved into the rich tapestry of history upon which America was built, gaining invaluable insights into the struggles, triumphs, and contributions of Asian Americans. This journey has been eye-opening, offering a glimpse into chapters of history often overlooked or marginalized. It has inspired me to broaden my horizons beyond the confines of my major, prompting a sincere curiosity about the evolution and complexities of race as a concept. Professor Derek Chang has been instrumental in this transformative journey, serving as a guiding light and source of unwavering support, fostering a space where intellectual curiosity and critical inquiry thrive. As I continue to navigate my academic and professional endeavors, the lessons learned from AASP and AAS coursework will undoubtedly serve as a cornerstone in my commitment to fostering inclusivity and understanding in all facets of life.”
――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――
Sydney Kang (Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences) is graduating with a minor in Asian American studies. After graduation, she will take a gap year to work at a company aimed at creating more accessible ADHD therapy and psychiatry. Next year, she plans to get her master’s in social work with the future goal to become a therapist for children of color.
“The Asian American Studies Program has allowed me to grow closer with my identity and find a community of peers and professors. Growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood and school, I spent a lot of my childhood trying to distance myself from my Korean culture. In high school, I finally found the desire to reconnect, but struggled with feeling isolated in my journey. This minor has provided me with the resources and guidance to learn that I am not alone in my experience and feel proud of the rich history of Asian American culture and resistance. It has allowed me to bring a better version of myself to my academic, personal, and social life as I have gained more confidence in who I am and where I came from. I am incredibly grateful to the professors who have helped me grow and to my family for their unwavering support and love. For me, being Asian American encompasses a deep appreciation for my family and finally finding my place in the grey space of my identity. It has also given me an understanding of the interconnectedness of the Asian American struggle with those across the world, and a pride in the historical and contemporary role of Asian Americans in our fight for mutual liberation.”
――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――
Rachel Mary Lai (Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering) was born and raised in Chinatown, NYC. On campus, she has conducted research at the Jiang Lab on lipid nanoparticles and worked with the AguaClara project team to improve methods for removing dissolved organic matter from water. When she isn’t cramming for assignments, Rachel enjoys photography around campus, hanging out with friends, relaxing on the fourth floor of Rockefeller, and learning Chinese dance with the Illuminations dance troupe. Rachel looks forward to continuing research at an immunotherapy lab at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center after graduation.
“I’ve been working at the Asian American Studies Program (AASP) for three years, and it has been one of the best opportunities I’ve had at Cornell. It has provided solace from academic pressures, offering a place where I can get work done or hang out… One of the greatest highlights of my time at AASP has been working on the BeComing Lunch Series. I remember being nervous to volunteer at the first workplace meeting, but I’ve had so much fun and enjoyed listening to many great stories and absorbing the valuable lessons shared during these talks. Usually, I am a shy person and find it hard to make small talk, but I’ve had the most meaningful conversations with Alexis and Sada, discussing life and its challenges (mostly my problems). They are the kindest, most caring bosses, and I couldn’t be more thankful for all the support they’ve provided me. I’ll miss them and all the fun moments with my co-workers, whether it’s talking about life, learning to play online games, or participating in events such as the Community Breakfast and the BeComing and Wednesday Lunch Series. I want to thank everyone for the wonderful memories and am forever grateful for having a space like AASP on campus.”
――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――
Steven Long (Computer Science, College of Arts and Sciences) is graduating with a minor in statistical science. His hometown is Cupertino, CA and he’s lived there his whole life. Steven has worked at the AASP Resource Center since his junior year. On campus, he has mainly been involved with the Association of Computer Science Undergraduates (ACSU) and course staff for CS 4700 and CS 4410. After graduation, he plans to work as a software engineer in the Bay Area.
“Working with AASP and at the Resource Center has been an amazing opportunity and truly a highlight of my undergraduate experience. It was a blessing to meet and work with a diverse group of students and staff. Spending time on the fourth floor of Rockefeller Hall has never failed to brighten my day. The Resource Center has been a sanctuary for me to escape from times of stress and chaos, and I am confident that it continues to be a valuable space for many others. I hope to find more peers like the AASP staff beyond graduation and I will carry the lessons I learned here with me as an alum.”
――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――
Kelly Su (Biology and Society, College of Arts and Sciences) is from Brooklyn, NYC and is graduating with minors in Asian American studies and global health. On campus, she has been heavily involved with the Asian American, pre-health, and first-generation low-income communities. Kelly is passionate about building community and learning new languages. She is also an avid traveler, having studied abroad in Japan, Tanzania, and Denmark. In her free time, she loves photography, thrifting, cooking, spending time with her friends, and taking care of her many plants. In the future, she hopes to become a physician and continue advocacy and learning. She wants to join Doctors without Borders, providing free services to underserved communities and improving global and public health.
“Studying Asian American studies and restarting Asian Pacific Americans for Action (APAA) has greatly informed my scholarship, activism, thinking and personal development. I cannot express my gratitude for hiring me and welcoming me to the Asian American Studies Program. I have really enjoyed getting to know the staff and faculty in the department, namely Professor Chang, Professor Balance, Professor Munasinghe, Professor Hu Pegues, Juhwan Seo, and my graduate TAs Stephanie Sang and Charlie Wang. I always looked forward to and drew inspiration from amazing students and faculty in the Becoming and Wednesday Lunch Series. Asian American studies helped me become more well-read, gain a better understanding of my identity, and comprehend where I stand in the world. AAS classes helped me understand my intersectional identities as a first-generation low-income college student and woman of color, and contextualize my and others’ experiences in America within larger structural forces.”
