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.

Meet Dr. Ying Wei, CUAFA President-Elect 2024-2026. What inspires her to step into leadership? How does she lead? We sat down with Ying to learn more about her journey. She shares what drew her to this role, the values she brings to leadership, her research passions—and a few fun personal tidbits along the way.

Dr. David Ho received the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 CUAFA Gala Dinner, honoring his groundbreaking contributions to science and medicine. His career stands as a powerful testament to innovation, leadership, and lasting impact.

At the 2025 CUAFA Gala Dinner, Dr. Kelley Yan was honored with the Young Investigator Award for her pioneering research and outstanding contributions to biomedical science. Her work exemplifies the promise and impact of early-career faculty at Columbia.

CUAFA celebrated its 4th Annual Gala Dinner on March 1st, 2025, bringing together over 100 members, friends, and supporters for an evening of community, recognition, and reflection. With inspiring remarks, award presentations, and a special performance by Uptown Vocal, the night honored the leadership and achievements of Asian faculty and reaffirmed CUAFA’s mission to uplift and advocate for its vibrant academic community.

Congratulations to Professor Daichi Shimbo, on his new role as Senior VP and Vice Dean of Faculty Affairs at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, effective February 1! A leader in cardiovascular research and faculty development, he brings a wealth of expertise to this position.

Congratulations to Professor Venkat Venkatasubramanian on his election to the National Academy of Engineering! His pioneering work in artificial intelligence and complex systems has significantly advanced the field of chemical engineering.