Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) is proud to announce that two distinguished AASF fellows have been elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences (AAA&S) in its 2025 class of new members. Congratulations to:
Founded in 1780, AAA&S is one of the nation’s most prestigious honorary societies, recognizing individuals for their exceptional achievements in academia, the arts, industry, public policy, and more. Among their current members are more than 150 Nobel laureates. Professor Li and Professor Song’s election to the Academy is a testament to their significant scholarly contributions and national impact in the field of computer science.
“I am exceptionally proud to see the two of our AASF fellows join the ranks of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences,” said Yasheng Huang, Board Member of the Asian American Scholar Forum. “These honors not only reflect personal excellence but help to reshape the narrative around who leads and innovates in America. Professors Li and Song exemplify the extraordinary contributions of Asian American scholars to American society.”
Their recognition underscores the vital and growing influence of Asian American scholars in shaping the future of innovation, research, and leadership across disciplines.
“We are thrilled to see Professors Kai Li and Dawn Song recognized with this tremendous honor,” said Gisela P. Kusakawa, Executive Director, Asian American Scholar Forum. “Their election to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences is a powerful affirmation of the brilliance, perseverance, and impact of Asian American scholars. At AASF, we are committed to uplifting and celebrating these achievements, not just as individual milestones, but as part of a broader movement to ensure scholars of all backgrounds are seen, heard, and valued.”
“It is a deep honor to be elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences,” said Professor Song, AASF Fellow. “This recognition underscores the vital role of science and technology in shaping our future—and the value of inclusive, interdisciplinary thinking in advancing impactful innovation.”
“I am deeply honored to be elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Over nearly 40 years in this country—as a graduate student, professor, entrepreneur, and nonprofit advocate—I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities to work with inspiring colleagues at remarkable institutions,” said Professor Li, AASF Fellow & Vice President. “I also know many whose contributions deserve recognition, and I look forward to joining others in promoting and celebrating their work in the near future.”
We invite our community to join us in celebrating this achievement.
The full list of new members is available at: American Academy of Arts & Sciences – New Members 2025.
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Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) is a national nonprofit that promotes belonging, freedom, and equality for all. In response to heightened anti-Asian sentiments and profiling in the U.S., AASF has been a leading national voice fighting for the rights of Asian American and immigrant scientists, researchers, and scholars. AASF membership includes members from the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Science, and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, in addition to past and current university presidents, provosts, vice provosts, deans, associate deans, and past and current department chairs.