May 9, 2017

by Tyrone Banks

Dear NIH Family:

This month, NIH would like to recognize the many contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in the biomedical research fields. Our theme for this year’s AAPI Heritage Month is "Rising to the Occasion: Achieving and Inspiring Scientific Success."

AAPI Heritage Month offers us an opportunity to learn more about the many achievements and sacrifices this community makes to our nation. NIH recognizes two extraordinary people within the AAPI community for their contributions and dedication to the NIH mission.

We acknowledge and salute Dr. Penny Wung Burgoon, Director of the Office of Policy, Communications and Education within the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). Dr. Burgoon began her NIH career in 2004 as an NIH/American Association for the Advancement of Science Policy Fellow. She has risen through the leadership ranks by gaining valuable experience in the NIH Office of the Director, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, and NCATS.

We also acknowledge and salute Dr. Emily Y. Chew, Director of the Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications within the National Eye Institute, where she also serves as the Deputy Clinical Director. Dr. Chew is an ophthalmologist who conducts clinical trials on the treatment of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the United States and developed countries.

The Federal Asian Pacific American Council invites you to join its observance of AAPI Heritage Month on Tuesday, May 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 5600 Fishers Lane in Rockville, Maryland. Featured speakers include Dr. Howard Koh, the 14th Assistant Secretary for Health, and Dr. Michael Lu, Senior Associate Dean at The George Washington University. There will also be a networking session from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Please also join the Leadership and Career Development Subcommittee of the NIH AAPI Engagement Committee and the NIH Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at their Effective Communications Workshop on Thursday, May 23 in Lipsett Amphitheater.

For more information about this event and AAPI Heritage Month, please visit EDI’s Asian American and Pacific Islanders Portfolio page as we continue to cultivate a campus that includes and celebrates diversity and inclusion 365 days a year.

Sincerely yours,

Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D.
Director

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