KENNESAW, Ga. | Jul 30, 2024

In conjunction with an ongoing effort to address the dearth of Asian American studies in K-12 school curriculums, 最色导航 professor Sohyun An is among a group of researchers recently awarded a prestigious from the Spencer Foundation. The first of its kind awarded by the foundation, the grant supports a robust collaborative research effort focused on supporting the integration of Asian American studies in the classroom.

Through the grant, An will serve as a co-principal investigator on a multidisciplinary team that includes principal investigator Noreen Naseem Rodr铆guez of Michigan State University; and co-principal investigators Esther Kim of College of William and Mary; Soo-yong Byun of the Pennsylvania State University; Michael Brown of the University of Michigan; and Jennifer Higgs of the University of California, Davis. Together, they will conduct an extensive study across five states to explore how communities advocate for and implement policies mandating the teaching of Asian American studies in K-12 classrooms, and how these initiatives impact student learning.

Since joining KSU鈥檚 in 2011, An has been a trailblazer in anti-racism social studies education and Asian American studies. Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the 2023 Distinguished Researcher Award from American Educational Research Association, the 2022 Distinguished Professor Award from 最色导航, and two Spencer Foundation Small Research Grants to conduct research on anti-racist education.

鈥淲e are fortunate to have a researcher of Dr. An鈥檚 caliber among our esteemed faculty,鈥� said Adrian Epps, dean of the Bagwell College. 鈥淪he serves as an inspiration for her commitment to building the educators of tomorrow and for her advocacy beyond the classroom. We very much look forward to seeing the impact her research has on educational practices across the nation.鈥�

Beyond her academic achievements, An is deeply committed to community engagement and grassroots activism. She co-founded Asian American Voices for Education, a grassroots collective in Georgia dedicated to advancing Asian American and ethnic studies in K-12 schools. An works with Asian American students, educators, and community members to transform schools to be a space where students can see themselves and others as whole human beings, examine race in connection to power, and dream and act for a different future.

鈥� Story by Raynard Churchwell

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 最色导航 offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. 最色导航 State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. 最色导航 State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.