This month, we are pleased to introduce Dr. Sunah Hyun (Sunah.Hyun@tufts.edu), Associate Director of Research and Development at the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life, Tufts University.
- Can you write a couple sentences on some aspect of your career development: feel free to pick one or any other related question among these: a) what drew you to do work on Asians, Asian American children and youth, or another topic that is important to you now? b) who was an important mentor to you in this work, or an influential particular study in the field or in a related field? c) any particular advice or tips to someone starting out in the field who is doing work in your area?
As an Asian, female international scholar, my educational experiences and career development have been shaped by the realities of navigating U.S. academia from the margins. Early on, I often found myself questioning how I belonged in spaces where my voice was not always recognized or easily heard. These challenges, while difficult, sharpened my sense of purpose and pushed me to commit my research to elevating the perspectives of communities who are too often overlooked. Instead of viewing these barriers as deterrents, I drew strength from them, and they became the foundation of my doctoral studies and community-based research.
My work with Asian communities during my doctoral studies—particularly my dissertation with Chinese immigrant families—was a turning point that deepened this commitment. Through years of building trust with parents, teachers, and Head Start programs, I learned that research must not only study communities but also listen to them in meaningful ways. Centering parents’ voices in my mixed methods work revealed the critical role of culturally and linguistically responsive approaches in shaping research, programs, and policies that better reflect the needs of children and families. More importantly, it taught me that research becomes far more meaningful when it is shaped in partnership with communities rather than dictated solely by researchers.
Surviving and growing within U.S. academia has made me deeply attuned to the experiences of those navigating multiple worlds—whether as immigrant parents, children, or scholars themselves. Today, my work continues to be guided by the belief that research is not only about generating knowledge, but also about building bridges, amplifying unheard voices, and creating pathways toward equity. This commitment drives my efforts to bring academic research and community realities into closer dialogue, ensuring that the perspectives of marginalized communities are not only included, but valued and placed at the center of shaping programs, policies, and futures.
- A short paragraph describing a particular recent finding, current study, or recent publication and what makes you excited about it. Feel free to describe its importance from any one or more of these lenses: a) research contribution; b) our knowledge about Asian or Asian American populations; c) our knowledge about other [understudied?] populations; d) practice or policy relevance.
Last year, the SRCD Asian Caucus Social Policy Committee came together to consider how we might make a meaningful contribution that highlights issues deserving more sustained attention in the field. With this goal in mind, we collaboratively designed a project to examine the experiences, resources, and challenges of Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) scholars across different career stages. While progress has been made to support Asian and international scholars in U.S. academia, significant challenges remain. Drawing on responses from 65 scholars across 20 U.S. states and six countries—most of whom are based at predominantly White institutions—our findings revealed both systemic barriers and the strategies of resilience that AAPI scholars employ to navigate academia. I was particularly excited by this work because it gave us a platform to elevate these voices and needs, and it allowed us to present and discuss our findings at the recent SRCD conference, where we collectively explored actionable steps that institutions can take to better support AAPI scholars at every stage of their careers. We are now finding ways to expand this work—so stay tuned!
- Your reflections on your interactions with the Asian Caucus would be highly appreciated. Please feel free to share your thoughts, whether it’s a simple message for the Caucus community or more.
I have been honored to be part of the SRCD Asian Caucus Social Policy Subcommittee since 2019, at the start of my postdoctoral journey. Over these years, we have collaborated on a number of exciting and meaningful projects that aim to support and amplify the voices of AAPI scholars. Although much of my current work does not focus exclusively on Asian populations, being part of this committee allows me to continue contributing to research and advocacy in an area I am deeply passionate about. It provides the opportunity to work alongside colleagues who share a similar commitment, stay connected to pressing issues affecting AAPI scholars, and help ensure that their voices and experiences remain visible and central in shaping policy and practice. This involvement keeps me grounded in my dedication to equity and inclusion, even as my broader work spans diverse communities and populations.
- Any upcoming talks or presentations we should know about?
I will be submitting several presentations throughout this academic year—so stay tuned! In addition, I regularly attend and present at a variety of academic venues, including the SRCD conference, where I share my research and learn from colleagues across the field. I am always eager to explore opportunities for collaboration on future projects and to connect with others who share similar interests, both in professional settings and beyond. I look forward to staying connected and hope to meet many of you soon!
- What is your preferred contact email?
Sunah.Hyun@tufts.edu
- A weblink you prefer to share?
Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life
https://tischcollege.tufts.edu/people/faculty/sunah-hyun
I have been serving as a Campus Compact Student Engagement Research Fellow since 2023. In this role, I have worked on several exciting projects that advance Campus Compact’s mission of deepening civic and community engagement among students across more than 400 member campuses. This fellowship continues to provide opportunities to broaden the impact of my work, and you can learn more about these efforts on their website.
https://compact.org/news/sunah-hyun-named-campus-compact-student-engagement-research-fellow