Ang Le, a master’s student in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and a FLAS (Foreign Language and Area Studies) fellowship recipient for Haitian Creole, has been awarded a Boren Fellowship to study the Vietnamese language in Vietnam. Le is also minoring in Latin American Studies, equipping them with a unique perspective on global health challenges.
The fellowship will allow Le, who has previously done research in Thailand on Myanmar migrant worker health, to be immersed in Vietnamese culture and language, crucial for their future career in global health initiatives. They aim to collaborate with local health professionals to develop effective public health strategies and enhance their understanding of regional health issues.
“As a member of the Vietnamese diaspora, I'm excited to have my Boren in Vietnam, where I spent a lot of time during my childhood," says Le. "In addition to reconnecting with my culture and language, I will also be conducting research with the War Legacies Project, a non-profit organization that does rehabilitation work on Agent Orange exposure from the war period. I hope my work brings awareness to environmental and social issues occurring throughout the world and inspires marginalized and minoritized students from all backgrounds to pursue their passions."
Funded by the National Security Education Program, the Boren Awards support U.S. students aiming to acquire language skills and international experience in areas vital to national security. Le’s work in Vietnam is expected to significantly advance their capabilities in public health, bridging cultural and linguistic gaps in their field.
-Joe Barreto