News

The Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering (AAASE) is delighted to announce the recipients of its inaugural prestigious awards, recognizing groundbreaking contributions to science, engineering, and leadership.

Steven Chu, Nobel laureate and former U.S. Secretary of Energy, has been awarded the Inaugural Chien-Shiung Wu Lifetime Achievement Medal. This prestigious honor, accompanied by a $20,000 prize, recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to science and engineering, leaving a profound and lasting impact on both the scientific community and humanity. Dr. Chu’s pioneering work in laser cooling and trapping of atoms earned him the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics, and his leadership in energy research has been globally influential. The Chien-Shiung Wu Medal is named in honor of the legendary physicist Chien-Shiung Wu, whose groundbreaking work reshaped the field of nuclear physics. Wu was honored with a U.S. postage stamp in 2021, commemorating her immense contributions to science and society.

Gang Chen, the Carl Richard Soderberg Professor of Power Engineering at MIT, has been selected to receive the Inaugural Steven Chu Gold Medal. This award, accompanied by a $10,000 prize, honors individuals who have achieved significant and impactful accomplishments in science, engineering, and societal leadership. Professor Chen’s pioneering work in thermal energy and nanoscale heat transfer has shaped the future of energy technology, with his leadership recognized by his election to both the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Sciences.

In addition, AAASE is pleased to announce Dr. Jun Chen and Dr. Haotian Wang as the recipients of the Inaugural Rising Star Awards. The Rising Star Award, which includes a $5,000 prize, is presented to early-career individuals (within 10 years of earning their doctoral degrees) who have made outstanding contributions and shown exceptional promise in science and engineering.

Dr. Jun Chen, Associate Professor of Bioengineering at UCLA, is recognized for his revolutionary work in bioelectronics and materials innovation. His discovery of the giant magnetoelastic effect in soft materials has transformed the field of wearable bioelectronics and energy harvesting. His contributions to personalized healthcare have earned him international acclaim, including being named a Highly Cited Researcher and receiving numerous prestigious awards.

Dr. Haotian Wang, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Rice University, is honored for his pioneering research in electrocatalysis and carbon dioxide utilization. His work on CO2 electrolysis and the design of next-generation electrolyzers has significant implications for decarbonization and sustainable chemical production. With over 37,000 citations, Dr. Wang has been recognized as a Sloan Fellow, Packard Fellow, and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree.

All four honorees will be formally recognized at the AAASE Annual Summit from November 15-17, 2024, at the Beckman Center of National Academies in Irvine, California. Please join us in congratulating Steven Chu, Gang Chen, Jun Chen, and Haotian Wang for their remarkable achievements and leadership in advancing science and engineering for the betterment of society!

Press Release

Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering Announces Election of Inaugural Fellows

New York, NY – Sept. 24, 2024 – The Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering (AAASE) is proud to announce the election of its inaugural class of Fellows. This distinguished group of scientists and engineers has been recognized for their exceptional contributions to their respective fields and their commitment to advancing the presence and influence of Asian Americans in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The awards ceremony will be held from November 15^th to17^th at the National Academy of Sciences Beckman Center, Irvine, California.

The inaugural class of AAASE Fellows (www.aaase.org/aaase-fellow) includes:

• Zhenan Bao: K.K. Lee Professor of Chemical Engineering at Stanford University, with courtesy appointments in Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering. She is an NAS, NAE, NAI, and AAAS member.
• Yuan Chang: Distinguished Professor of Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh. She co-discovered the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, a major breakthrough in cancer research. Her work has earned her membership in NAS.
• Lili Cheng: a Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, leading the AI and Research division. She has made significant contributions to human-computer interaction and AI development. Lili is known for her innovative approaches to software engineering and is a member of NAE.
• Shu Chien: Renowned professor at UCSD and member of NAS, NAE, and NAM. He is a pioneer in bioengineering, especially known for his work on cardiovascular physiology and mechanobiology.
• Stephen Chou: Joseph C. Elgin Professor of Engineering at Princeton University. An NAE member, Stephen is recognized for his groundbreaking work in nanotechnology, particularly in nanoimprint lithography.
• Steven Chu: Nobel Laureate in Physics and an NAS member and Professor at Stanford University. His pioneering research in atomic physics and laser cooling has profoundly impacted the field. He also served as the U.S. Secretary of Energy from 2009 to 2013.
• Sankar Ghosh: Chair of the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Columbia University. His research on NF-kB signaling pathways has significantly advanced our understanding of immune response and inflammation. Sankar is a member of the NAS and NAM.
• David Ho: Clyde '56 and Helen Wu Professor of Medicine at Columbia University. A key figure in HIV/AIDS research, his work on antiretroviral therapies has saved millions of lives. David is a member of NAM.
• Evelyn Hu: Tarr-Coyne Professor of Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering at Harvard University. She is known for pioneering nanoscale device work and has made significant contributions to nanotechnology. Evelyn is a member of NAS and NAE.
• Xuedong Huang: Chief Technology Officer at Zoom Video Communications. He is a pioneer in speech recognition technology and has significantly advanced the field of artificial intelligence. Xuedong is a member of NAE and AAAS.
• Alice Huang: Senior Faculty Associate in Biology at Caltech and former president of AAAS. Her research in virology, particularly on virus-host interactions, has been groundbreaking. Alice is a respected leader in the scientific community.
• Rakesh Jain: Director of the E.L. Steele Laboratory for Tumor Biology at Massachusetts General Hospital. His pioneering work on the tumor microenvironment and angiogenesis has earned him membership in all three National Academies. Rakesh's research has transformed cancer therapy.
• Kam Leong: Samuel Y. Sheng Professor in Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University. As a drug delivery and gene therapy leader, Kam's innovative research has significantly impacted biomedical engineering. He is a member of NAE and NAM.
• Kai Li: Professor of Computer Science at Princeton University. His contributions to computer systems and data storage technologies are widely recognized. Kai is a member of NAE and has had a lasting impact on the field of computer science.
• Andrea Liu: Hepburn Professor of Physics at the University of Pennsylvania. Known for her theoretical work in soft condensed matter physics, Andrea's research has provided deep insights into the behavior of complex materials. She is a member of NAS.
• Arun Majumdar: Jay Precourt Professor at Stanford University and Dean of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. Arun, an energy technology and policy leader, has been instrumental in advancing sustainable energy solutions. He is a member of both NAS and NAE.
• Shuji Nakamura: Nobel Laureate in Physics and Professor at UC Santa Barbara. Known for inventing the blue LED, Shuji's work has revolutionized lighting technology and earned him international acclaim.
• Choon Fong Shih: President Emeritus of the National University of Singapore and NAE member. His contributions to fracture mechanics and materials science have been highly influential. Choon Fong's leadership has also had a significant impact on higher education.
• Zhigang Suo: Allen E. and Marilyn M. Puckett Professor of Mechanics and Materials at Harvard University. He is known for his pioneering work in solid mechanics and soft materials. Zhigang is an NAS and NAE member.
• Subra Suresh: President Emeritus of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and former Director of the NSF. A member of all three National Academies, Subra has significantly contributed to materials science and engineering. His leadership has been transformative in both academia and industry.
• Savio Woo: Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at the University of Pittsburgh. A pioneer in bioengineering and orthopedic research, Savio's work has significantly advanced the understanding of musculoskeletal biomechanics. He is a member of NAE and NAM.
• Joseph Wu: Director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute. Known for his research in cardiovascular medicine and regenerative medicine, Joseph's work has led to significant advancements in the field. He is a member of NAM.
• Jie Xue: Vice President of Technology and Quality at Cisco Systems. Her contributions to electronic packaging and reliability engineering have been pivotal. Jie is an NAE member and has played a vital role in advancing technology at Cisco.

For more information about the AAASE and the inaugural Fellows, please visit our website or contact us at www.aaase.org.

Dear Honorable Speaker of the House, the Honorable Majority Leader of the Senate, and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate,

We, the Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering (AAASE, www.aaase.org), are writing to express our concerns about the recently passed House Bill H.R.1398 - Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from the CCP Act of 2024. The mission of AAASE is to advance the US leadership in science and technology and advocate for the rights of Asian Americans. As a leading organization representing Asian American scientists and engineers across the United States, we are very concerned that the Asian American community may become the target of discrimination and that it may undermine the US leadership in science and engineering once this Bill is enacted and feel it is important to communicate three critical points to you.

First, we, Asian American Scientists and Engineers, fully support the need to safeguard national security and protect American innovation. Like other immigrants in this country, we have made critical contributions in establishing and advancing American leadership in science and technology. As the world faces many unprecedented challenges, we wholeheartedly support the Congress' efforts to uphold America's global leadership in scientific research and technological innovation. We believe that America's freedom, openness, and liberty create the perfect scientific discovery and technological advancement environment. We have thrived in this setting and are dedicated to safeguarding it from foreign malign influence.

However, we are deeply concerned that this piece of legislation, if enacted in practice, might lead to racial or national-origin profiling and discrimination against American scientists and engineers originally from mainland China and their descendants and undermine the US’ technology competitiveness in attracting and keeping talents in this country. Even though the bill has renamed the former "China Initiative" to the "CCP Program", it still risks creating a presumption (albeit a rebuttable one) that all American scientists and engineers of Chinese origin are suspicious until proven innocent. According to statistics compiled by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, of the 69 scientist and engineer defendants sued under the China Initiative, 53 (or 77%) are of Chinese heritage¹ . This high ratio stands in stark contrast to merely 13% of the American STEM workforce that are Asian American² , including Chinese and other Asian Americans. This disproportionate targeting of American scientists and engineers of Chinese heritage contradicts the principle of evidence-based investigation that law enforcement should adhere to, violating the equal protection guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Given our community's past experiences of unfair targeting and marginalization under the former "China Initiative", we feel compelled to emphasize the harmful potential consequences if the "CCP Program" is implemented.

Third, creating a special government program by singling out one particular foreign country for law enforcement purposes has not proven to be an effective approach, and there is no reason to believe that a rerun of something that has already failed will lead to a different outcome, especially when a viable alternative has proven to be working. According to statistics compiled by MIT as cited above, under the previous China Initiative, the DOJ has neither officially defined the China Initiative nor explained what led it to label a case as part of the initiative; the initiative’s focus quickly drifted away from economic espionage and hacking cases to “research integrity” issues, such as failures to fully disclose foreign affiliations on reporting forms; a significant number of research integrity cases ended up being dropped or dismissed; only about a quarter of people and institutions charged under the China Initiative have been convicted; many cases have little or no obvious connection to national security or the theft of trade secrets. Meanwhile, since the China Initiative itself ended, the DOJ has continued to investigate and prosecute China-related cases– along with cases related to all other foreign countries–under the regular national security programs and has yielded superior results.

We appreciate your attention to these concerns and are willing to engage in constructive dialogue to find a solution that both protects national interests and upholds the values of individual liberty and constitutional rights.

Sincerely,

X. Edward Guo

President, Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering
Stanley Dicker Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Professor of Medical Sciences (In Medicine)
Columbia University in New York City

On behalf of the Board of Directors of AAASE and the Junior Board of AAASE 

¹ https://www.technologyreview.com/2021/12/02/1039397/china-initiative-database-doj/

² https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=298653&WT.mc_id=USNSF_65&WT.mc_ev=click 

About Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering (AAASE)

The Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering (AAASE) (www.aaase.org) is a leading organization dedicated to promoting leadership, scientific excellence, and advocacy for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Established with the mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders, AAASE focuses on advancing the leadership of AAPI individuals in science and technology within the United States. The organization also advocates for the rights, inclusion, and representation of AAPI professionals, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions recognized across academic, industrial, and governmental sectors.

AAASE’s mission is supported by a diverse membership base, including academics, professionals, and students passionate about fostering leadership and inclusion in STEM. The organization offers several initiatives to nurture young talent, particularly through its programs focusing on high school and college students. One of AAASE’s flagship programs is its Summer Academy, hosted at prestigious universities like Princeton, Caltech, and Stanford, where high school students participate in leadership panels, project mentoring, and communication training. Additionally, AAASE’s Laboratory Internship Program provides students with hands-on research experience at leading institutions such as MIT, Columbia University, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, preparing them for future careers in science and engineering. These programs are designed to foster an interest in STEM, empower young AAPI individuals, and guide them toward leadership roles.

The organization also emphasizes advocacy for justice and inclusiveness for the AAPI community. It actively works to combat discrimination, raise awareness about AAPI culture and history, and advocate for equity in leadership positions nationwide. Through its Stop Asian Hate and Discrimination initiative, AAASE engages with policymakers and communities to address hate crimes and promote inclusivity. Furthermore, AAASE promotes AAPI leadership in public service and ensures that AAPI voices are represented at the highest levels of government and industry.

In addition to its educational and advocacy work, AAASE organizes distinguished lectures featuring Nobel laureates, leading scientists, and innovators who share their knowledge and experiences. The organization also honors excellence through its AAASE Academy Fellow Program, which recognizes 100 distinguished AAPI scientists and engineers for their groundbreaking contributions to their respective fields. The first 23 Inaugural Fellows, including Steven Chu, Nobel Laureate and former Secretary of Energy, will be inducted at our Inaugural Annual Summit that will be held from November 15th to 17th at the National Academy of Sciences Beckman Center, Irvine, California. This recognition not only highlights their achievements but also serves to inspire the next generation of AAPI leaders.

AAASE’s comprehensive approach to leadership development, inclusivity, and scientific advancement reflects its commitment to creating a supportive environment for AAPI scientists and engineers. By empowering young talent, advocating for equity, and fostering a collaborative scientific community, AAASE is helping to shape the future of AAPI leadership in science and technology while contributing to the broader mission of advancing humanity through STEM.

Click here to see the PDF version of this letter.

Press Release

AAASE Inaugural Annual Summit and Fellow Induction Ceremony

PRINCETON, N.J., Aug. 20, 2024 - The Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering (AAASE) is thrilled to announce its Inaugural Annual Summit and Fellow Induction Ceremony, which will take place on November 15-17^th, 2024, at the Beckman Center at the National Academy of Sciences in Irvine, California. This landmark event will gather prominent figures in science, technology, and engineering to celebrate the achievements of our inaugural Fellows and discuss critical issues in these fields. 23 outstanding inaugural AAASE Fellows will be announced soon.

Event Overview:

The AAASE Inaugural Annual Summit will foster collaboration, innovation, and leadership within the Asian American scientific and engineering communities. Attendees can engage with leading experts, participate in thought-provoking discussions, and explore cutting-edge research and developments. This summit represents a unique convergence of academia, industry, and policy, addressing today's most pressing challenges and opportunities in science and technology.

Keynote Speakers and Sessions:

The event will feature inspiring talks and engaging discussions from renowned speakers, including:

• Steven Chu, Nobel Laureate and former U.S. Secretary of Energy, will highlight the significant contributions of Asian Americans to science and technology.

• Zhenan Bao, NAS, NAE, AAAS, and NAI fellow, is recognized for her groundbreaking work in wearable electronic materials.

• Savio L.-Y. Woo, an NAE and NAM fellow, is a pioneer in bioengineering and biomechanics.

• Kam Leong, NAE and NAM fellow, is an expert in biomaterials, gene/drug delivery, and tissue engineering.

• Andrea Liu, NAS fellow, will delve into the physics of soft and living materials.

• Jie Xue, an NAE fellow, explores the frontiers of computer technology and artificial intelligence.

• Subra Suresh, NAS, NAE, and NAM fellow, is renowned for his contributions to materials science and engineering and his leadership in academia and industry.

• Arun Majumdar, NAS, NAE, and AAAS fellow, is distinguished for his work in energy, materials science, and technology policy.

• Alice Huang, AAAS fellow and former President, is a distinguished virologist at CalTech, an able administrator, and a lifelong advocate for diversity in the scientific workforce.

• Ah-Hyung “Alissa” Park is the Ronald and Valerie Sugar Dean of the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering.

• Hansong Zhang was Roblox's founding VP of Technology and Chief Scientist of the blockbuster AR game Pokemon Go, where he led technology initiatives in AR and AI. He is a new member of Committee of 100.

• Wei Cai is a leader in new energy technologies and fosters diverse leadership in the industry.

High School Project Design Championship:

A summit highlight will be the final round of the high school project design championship, featuring top teams from the prestigious AAASE Princeton and Stanford Summer Academies. These young innovators will present their projects, showcasing the future science and engineering leaders.

About AAASE:

The Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering (AAASE) was established to advance and promote the scientific and engineering contributions of Asian Americans. AAASE aims to foster a collaborative network of scientists, engineers, and professionals, advocate for the recognition and inclusion of Asian Americans in STEM fields and provide mentorship and support for emerging scientists and engineers.

This event is organized by the AAASE Program Committee, chaired by Peter Ma, with committee members including Ju Li, Haibin Xu, Yiguang Ju, X. Edward Guo, Jingjing Shang, and Mohan Sankaran.

Registration and Contact:

For more information and to register for the AAASE Inaugural Annual Summit and Fellow Induction Ceremony, please visit our website at https://www.aaase.org.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a historic event that brings together thought leaders, innovators, and future trailblazers.

Register to Attend

On April 21st, 2024, the Board of Directors attended a retreat to communicate face-to-face with other members for promotion of better collaboration and success. There, the three founding principles of the AAASE were elaborated upon and established as key goals. The key goals are worded as

• Cultivate leadership of the next generation
• Advancing Science and Technology for humanity
• Promote inclusiveness and justice for AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders)

The programs suggested to achieve these goals were various methods of integration and promotion within the American community. Some programs include research lectures presented by distinguished members of the AAPI community, continuing support towards the AAASE junior board, the fostering of an internship and mentorship program, and further advocacy for AAPI culture.

In the 2024 Board of Directors Election, the nomination committee received 12 outstanding nominations. Based on the recommendations from the nomination and selection committees, the AAASE Board voted and elected the following six distinguished new members from industry and academia as our new BOD members:

Neil Dong

Dr. X. Neil Dong is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Texas at Tyler. Dr. Dong’s research is dedicated in the fields of orthopaedic biomechanics and sports medicine. His research projects have received financial support from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dong is actively involved in professional societies, holding membership in the Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) and the International Chinese Musculoskeletal Research Society (ICMRS). Within the ICMRS, Dr. Dong has assumed key roles, serving as the Chair of Communication Committee and as a member of the Board of Directors. Service Statement: I am eager to apply my valuable experiences gained from my involvement with other professional societies to the Asian American Academy of Science and Engineering (AAASE). My goal is to serve its members and offer support to the society’s leadership in any capacity needed.

Ju Li

Ju Li has held faculty positions at the Ohio State University, the University of Pennsylvania, and is presently a chaired professor at MIT.  His group (http://Li.mit.edu) develops energy materials and systems. Ju is a recipient of the 2005 PECASE award, the 2006 MRS Outstanding Young Investigator Award, and the TR35 award. Ju was elected APS Fellow in 2014, MRS Fellow in 2017 and AAAS Fellow in 2020. Li is the chief organizer of MIT A+B Applied Energy Symposia that aim to develop solutions to global climate change challenges with "A-Action before 2040" and "B-Beyond 2040 technologies”. Service statement: I am interested in developing industrial relations and career consulting services for the next generation, because I believe that our youth need to be exposed to different job settings and interact with adults in different lines of profession to be able to understand what industrial, academic and entrepreneurial jobs are really like, why they study, and learn from the lessons of the previous generations. Building strongly interconnected communities of professionals, business, media, academic and public service will be the key to everyone’s success.

Yi Mao

A visionary leader and tech innovator who brings over two decades of expertise to AAASE as a serial entrepreneur and seasoned software architect. With a successful track record of building and exiting two tech companies, he has demonstrated unparalleled leadership in AI-driven solutions. As a Senior Principal Technologist at Amazon Ads, he is currently spearheading Generative AI initiatives, embodying Amazon's Leadership Principles. His contributions at Yahoo and AdMovate resulted in a $1B+ programmatic advertising business. Committed to advancing technology while advocating for Asian American voices, his unique business acumen and technical prowess align seamlessly with AAASE's mission.

Jingjing Shang

Professor of Nursing at Columbia University, has a BS from Peking Union Medical College and a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University. As a health services researcher, she leads multiple federal grants, focusing on health quality, geriatric care, infection control, and home healthcare. Her work has significantly improved infection prevention and control practices at the local, state, national, and international levels. She received multiple honors, including the International Nurse Research Hall of Fame in 2022. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and a fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine. Service statement: As a health services researcher and the current board member, I am eager to bring my expertise and network to the AAASE Board of Directors. I will focus on leveraging the growing presence of Asian Americans in nursing faculty to advance AAASE’s goals, promoting diversity and leadership development, and applying my research in geriatric care to improve the quality of life for the elderly.

Sally Shi

Sally co-founded ScalableVision Capital and is its Chief Investment Officer.   Sally started her investment career from Morgan Stanley and is a Managing Director of Investment with Oppenheimer & Company. Sally is a board of trustee for Montalvo Arts Center.  Sally and her family are one of the individual alliance partners of The Asian American Foundation (TAAF).   Sally obtained her MBA from Georgetown University and her Bachelor of Laws degree from Fudan University, China.  She was named one of ‘The 12 Outstanding Asian American Women’ by China Institute in 2023.

Haibin Xu

Haibin Xu is the General Manager of Shell Research Alliance, based in Houston Texas. In this role, he leads a global team in US, Canada, Netherlands, UK, China, India, and Singapore, who oversee Shell’s technology collaboration with more than 100 Universities, Research Institutes, National Labs, and government agencies globally. Haibin has received national awards for his work in innovation from the US Federal Lab Consortium, and for volunteering & leadership from the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers. He holds a Ph.D. in Geophysics from Stanford University in 2002. Service Statement: I believe in AAASE’s purpose and mission, and am enthusiastic to contribute my passion and skills to further its impact, especially in the two areas of Asian American leadership & mentoring, and entrepreneurship in the energy and environment domain.

50 high school students from across the US and abroad attended the summer academy, with lectures and panel discussions by distinguished professors and industry executives, research lab tours and group research projects giving them a unique and enlightening experience in STEM education, team work, and leadership training, as well as mental health and well-being awareness. The capstone research project competition summed up and demonstrated the talents, team work, and communication skills of summer academy students in a high note.