Launched in 2020, the Asian American Research Center at UC Berkeley builds power for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities through research that matters, partnerships that endure, and narratives that open new possibilities.
We are the bridge between the academy and the community. At AARC, scholars, artists, organizers, and policymakers work together to address the most urgent challenges facing AAPI communities today and to build the civic, cultural, and political infrastructure for the future. We are grounded in Berkeley’s tradition of community-engaged scholarship and committed to making that scholarship felt far beyond campus.
The planning for AARC began years before launch and was led by a Steering Committee including: Harvey Dong, Elaine H. Kim, Eunice Kwon, Michael Omi, Lok Siu, Jere Takahashi, Lisa Hirai Tsuchitani, and Khatharya Um. Thanks to seed funds from the California State Legislature, AARC began operations in 2020.
Chair: Colleen Lye
Past Chairs:
Founding Chair: Michael Omi (2020-2021)
Chair: Lok Siu (2021-2023)
Interim Chair: Steven Lee (2024)
