Kennesaw State professor earns award from American Educational Research Association

KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 5, 2022

Sohyun An
Sohyun An

Sohyun An, a professor in Kennesaw State University’s Bagwell College of Education, earned the 2022 Distinguished Researcher Award from the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Special Interest Group on Research on the Education of Asian Pacific Americans.

An has been a member of AERA, the nation's leading professional organization devoted to educational research, since 2009.

“It was a big surprise. I did not know I had been nominated,” An said. “I was in tears when I heard the news. I am beyond humbled and thankful.” 

As a leading scholar of curriculum and pedagogy of K-12 Asian American studies and critical war studies, An’s research has inspired others to work to stop anti-Asian racism and other forms of oppression through critical studies of Asian American histories.

“My ultimate goal as a researcher is to transform school curriculum toward one that hurts less and heals more, one that all children can see themselves accurately and fully represented and learn the humanity of their own and others,” An said.  

An has worked on projects regarding teaching Asian American history, including the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and PBS curriculum. She has been interviewed and cited in prominent media outlets, including CNN, Time, New York Times, Washington Post, Reuters, Vox, and USA Today related to her teaching practices and research.

– Meagan Lowney

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.