DiscoverImmigrant ConversationsPerpetual Foreigners with Dr. Jim Lin
Perpetual Foreigners with Dr. Jim Lin

Perpetual Foreigners with Dr. Jim Lin

Update: 2024-12-18
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The son of Chinese immigrants, Dr. James Lin is a math professor at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD). He taught the first Asian American Studies course there in 1986.
Despite venturing outside of his field (and keeping this a secret from his fellow math professors!), two years later he obtained Academic Senate approval for a Minor in Asian American Studies.
Once the Minor was approved, he teamed up with the Chicano Studies and African American Studies faculty to gain Academic Senate approval for an Ethnic Studies Department in 1990.
This week, we will hear from him about his journey, experiences, and the work he has done creating this important program.
Jim's past interviews: https://youtu.be/1BxdlT2RC2g?si=JRfoQ3w2v5Xq7JoG

Immigrant Conversations -
00:00:00 " Jim and I know each other through Toastmaster
00:01:02 " My father built the first modern airplane by a Chinese in China
00:11:18 " Lin family says I'm the lucky baby because within days of being born
00:20:18 " By the time I was 15, I had studied 8000 hours of math
00:27:03 " At 15, I scored perfect score on the math SAT
00:32:53 " You mentioned as an adult that there were a lot of somewhat isolating feelings
00:41:39 " The public doesn't know much about your immigration, Mehran
00:50:57 " UCSD faculty opposed creating a race-based ethnic studies minor
00:58:54 " Jim Mehran: I was inspired by a book called see no stranger Keywords: migration, Chinese-American, aviation pioneer, academic success, cultural identity, Asian American Studies, UCSD, resilience, podcast
Jim's Biography: Jim is a Chinese-American who has made significant contributions to both academia and cultural representation. Born in Manhattan shortly after his parents emigrated from China, Jim's early life was marked by rigorous academic discipline and cultural challenges. He excelled in mathematics, earning a PhD from Princeton and becoming a full professor at UCSD by the age of 30.
Jim played a crucial role in establishing the Asian American Studies minor at UCSD, which later became a full department. His work has been instrumental in promoting cultural awareness and education. Jim continues to inspire through his storytelling and dedication to fostering understanding and inclusion.
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Perpetual Foreigners with Dr. Jim Lin

Perpetual Foreigners with Dr. Jim Lin

Mehran Sorourian