CUAFA’s 2024 community survey of 105 faculty finds a stronger sense of belonging since the association’s 2020 founding, but also reveals persistent gaps in AAPI leadership representation, institutional support, and gendered stress.

CUAFA congratulates Professor Anil K. Lalwani on his appointment as the inaugural Dean of the Gangwal School of Medical Sciences & Technology at IIT Kanpur. As he steps down as CUAFA President this summer, we extend our deepest gratitude for his leadership, service, and dedication to our community.

Dr. Yiping W. Han named 2025 AAAS fellow for her groundbreaking work in microbiology.

Dr. Ming Yuan, Professor of Statistics, is recognized by Institute of Mathematical Statistics as the 2026 IMS Carver Medal recipient.

Dr. Harris Wang has been appointed chair of the Department of Systems Biology at Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, after serving as interim chair since September 2023. An internationally recognized leader in synthetic biology and genome engineering, Dr. Wang advances next-generation microbiome and cellular therapeutics and has received numerous national honors for his work.

Dr. Iok In Christine Chio receives the 2026 Emerging Leader Award for her innovative research into iron-based early detection of pancreatic cancer progression.

Dr Ke Cheng was inducted as a foreign member of the French National Academy of Medicine, honoring his international leadership in regenerative medicine and biomedical engineering research.

Timothy C. Wang, MD, has been selected to receive the 2025 Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center Distinguished Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and transformative contributions to cancer research, medicine, and education.

As we begin 2026, CUAFA President Dr. Anil K. Lalwani reflects on our accomplishments in 2025 and the year ahead, reaffirming our shared commitment to excellence, collaboration, and service to our community.

CUAFA congratulates Anil K. Rustgi, Herbert and Florence Irving Director of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, on receiving the American Pancreatic Association’s Vay Liang & Frisca Go Award for Lifetime Achievement and the Luminary Award in GI Cancers, recognizing his lasting impact on pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancer research and patient care.

CUAFA congratulates Mae Ngai, Lung Family Professor of Asian American Studies and Professor of History at Columbia University, on her election as an Honorary Fellow of American Society for Legal History.

Dr. Chunhua Weng has received the 2025 Donald A.B. Lindberg Award for Innovation in Informatics from AMIA for her pioneering contributions to clinical research informatics and impactful informatics methods that advance clinical trial science and evidence generation.

Congratulations to EC member Dr. Qin Gao on her appointment as Acting Director of Columbia’s Asian American Initiative. A distinguished scholar of social policy and inequality, Dr. Gao brings her deep commitment to evidence-based research and community engagement to this university-wide role advancing Asian American scholarship, visibility, and belonging.

Even the pouring rain couldn’t dampen the spirit of the Harvest of Harmony celebration at CUIMC. Hosted by the Asian & Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group (API ERG) and the Columbia University Asian Faculty Association (CUAFA), colleagues gathered to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival and Diwali, enjoying a joyful event that brought together culture, connection, and community.

CUAFA congratulates President Anil K. Lalwani, M.D., on receiving the 2026 Innovator Award in Clinical Science from the Association for Research in Otolaryngology (ARO), honoring his pioneering contributions to hearing research and leadership in academic medicine.

CUAFA congratulates our EC member, Dr. Qin Gao, for being named the Maurice V. Russell Professor of Social Policy and Social Work Practice. This appointment stands as a testament to her distinguished scholarship and lasting contributions to the field of social policy.

CUAFA held our annual picnic on September 20th at Elliton in the Park, bringing together over 90 faculty, family, and friends. We welcomed new colleagues, reconnected with old friends, and shared ideas for strengthening our community—including a new “Speed Research Sharing” series. Stay tuned for ways to get involved!

Dr. David Ho, world-renowned AIDS researcher, was honored with the 2025 Asian American Pioneer Medal at the AASF Symposium.

Congratulations to EC member Dr. Anette Wu, whose International Collaboration and Exchange Program (ICEP) has been honored with the prestigious 2025 ASPIRE Award in International Collaboration.

With CUAFA growing into a community of hundreds, it can be hard to get to know everyone—especially those working behind the scenes. In this post, we asked a few Executive Committee members some fun, informal questions to help you get to know them a little better. It’s a step toward making our community more connected.