The son of Chinese immigrants, Dr. James Lin is a math professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). In 1986, he took an unexpected step and taught the first-ever Asian American Studies course at UCSD. Despite being a math professor, Dr. Lin’s passion for social justice and ethnic studies led him to break boundaries. Two years later, he succeeded in obtaining Academic Senate approval for a Minor in Asian American Studies, marking a significant milestone in academic history. Dr. Lin's journey didn't stop there. He teamed up with faculty from Chicano Studies and African American Studies to gain approval for an Ethnic Studies Department in 1990, which has had a lasting impact on both students and the wider community. In this episode, Dr. Lin shares his remarkable journey, his experiences as an immigrant, and the challenges and triumphs of creating an essential program that amplifies diverse voices and promotes cultural awareness and social justice. Tune in to hear about: >Dr. Lin's path from math professor to Ethnic Studies advocate. >His role in creating the first Asian American Studies course and later the Ethnic Studies Department at UCSD. >The importance of cultural representation and academic diversity in higher education. >How immigrant experiences shaped Dr. Lin’s commitment to social justice and education. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in ethnic studies, academic diversity, and the intersection of immigrant identity and education. 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.