John J. Chin has officially taken on the role of Acting Director of the Asian American / Asian Research Institute (AAARI) at Queens College, which is part of the City University of New York (CUNY). The university has announced plans to initiate a formal search for a permanent director within the next year. AAARI is committed to advancing and sharing research and educational resources that highlight Asia, Asian Americans, and their communities.
Before this appointment, Chin held the position of chair of the Urban Policy and Planning Department at Hunter College. With over three decades of research experience in Asian communities, he has a strong focus on improving access to social and health services for underserved populations, particularly among Asian immigrants.
In reflecting on his new role as Acting Director of AAARI, Chin emphasized the importance of amplifying the stories within the Asian community that often go unheard. “Many contributions and needs are not fully understood, so I see this position as a crucial opportunity to ensure these narratives are represented accurately,” he remarked.
Queens College President Frank Wu highlighted AAARI’s vital function as a connector between CUNY and New York City’s Asian community. As the search for a permanent director unfolds, Professor Chin is expected to lead effectively, especially in relation to public policies affecting the health of immigrant workers.
Chin’s recent research has delved into the health requirements of immigrant communities. In a study funded by the National Institutes of Health, he examined how Asian immigrant organizations communicate information about HIV prevention while working to diminish the stigma surrounding the disease within their communities.
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