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2025 Awardees
2025
Alissa Lai
Ethics, Politics & Economics, Yale University
Alissa Lai is an incoming freshman at Yale University from Los Angeles, California, planning to major in Ethics, Politics, & Economics (EPE). As a leader in her field, she has earned numerous accolades and her work has been recognized at both the national and international levels. Alissa is also an accomplished individual within her school where she has served as President to three clubs: Speech & Debate, GATE, Entrepreneurship Society.
Her professional endeavors include her work as an intern at the financial corporation, CliftonLarsonAllen LLC, and the California State Senate, to name a few. Rooted in her upbringing in the county of Los Angeles, she’s channeled her experiences into meaningful action, founding a global initiative that teaches financial literacy to underserved students and piloting a platform that uses SIM-based algorithms to deliver financial services to areas with limited infrastructure. Her commitment to advocacy and community impact is largely reflected in her work. She played a key role in advocating for the passage of Assembly Bill 2927, ensuring that financial literacy education is integrated into California high schools. Whether she’s testifying before city councils, leading policy discussions, or introducing innovative technologies into marginalized communities, she brings a strong outlook and sharp mind to every challenge she takes on. Through her studies at Yale and beyond, she hopes to continue creating systems that uplift communities like the one that raised her. She believes the decisions she makes today may one day shape the world someone else inherits tomorrow and that responsibility is the motivation behind all that she does.
Amber Wu
Art History, John Hopkins University
Amber Wu is an incoming freshman at Johns Hopkins University. Growing up in Taiwan, she was surrounded by temples, sculptures, and ceramics that told stories older than any textbook. She often wondered how each piece had survived generations of change. Amber hopes to explore and share these stories, not only to honor her heritage but also to amplify global voices in spaces where history is told. She was selected as the 2024-2025 SkillsUSA California State Officer. Amber’s experience as a SkillsUSA California state officer taught her how to advocate for students, speak with policymakers, and organize events that empower young people.
A formative experience for her was volunteering at the W. Keith and Janet Kellogg Art Gallery, where she helped set up exhibits and observed how curatorial choices shape the viewer’s experience. Speaking with photographer Jane Szabo about her emotionally rich work showed Amber how deeply personal and powerful art can be. That conversation affirmed Amber’s desire to create spaces where art connects people across cultures, memories, and generations.
At Johns Hopkins University, she plans to pursue a major in Art History and learn about gallery management at the Evergreen Museum. She intends to participate in the Student Curatorial Internship, where she can express her love for art and collaborate with others who share her enthusiasm. Amber’s goal is to make museums and galleries more inclusive, telling stories that reflect a broader range of histories and identities. She aspires to work in spaces that highlight underrepresented artists and communities, creating environments where people from all backgrounds feel welcome. For her, studying art history is not just about understanding the past; it’s about using it to build a more thoughtful and inclusive future.
Andy Lee Huang
Electrical Engineering | University of California, Santa Barbara
Greetings! Andy Lee Huang is an incoming student majoring in electrical engineering at the University of Santa Barbara, and a 2025 graduate of John A. Rowland High School in Rowland Heights, California. With this career path, Andy pursues to one day work at a leading high-tech company such as Apple, Microsoft, or NASA. He hopes that he will be able to tinker with technology and contribute to advancements to shape the future.
This young student was born in Waukegan, Illinois and raised in California. He comes from a Taiwanese background and is somewhat fluent in Mandarin. It is kind of funny how he can speak Chinese perfectly but cannot read or write, special talent as a bilingual. Andy loves to travel and visit his ancestors from time to time. He loves to visit the string markets in Asia and indulge in Taiwanese food such as beef noodle soup, popcorn chicken, and Taiwanese sausage.
Not only he thrives academically, but also made musical feats. He played both the piano and violin at a young age and participated in his school orchestra. Andy was honored to serve as the concertmaster for his orchestra. In his senior year, he had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to conduct a piece during a performance. Music will forever be a part of him and he will continue to enjoy listening and playing music.
As for his hobbies, Andy loves to play badminton, chatting and gaming with friends, and continuing to play the violin. From time to time, he would go out shopping with friends and get stylish. Andy might seem polite and shy at first, but once you get to know him, he can get pretty loud and crazy!
Ethan Pai
Purdue
My name is Ethan Pai (白英志), and I am from Queens, New York. I was born in the United States, with my father immigrating from Taiwan in search of more opportunities. My parents tried convincing me to pursue the business side of work, but I was never able to resonate with it, searching for something else to go after. My elementary school had a free LEGO Robotics program that was held an hour before school, and joining it opened me to a world of ideas and creations. The freshman year of high school was the first time I encountered Arduino, which felt like a huge step up from LEGO Robotics. However, after teaching myself the basics of Arduino, I combined it with 3D modeling to make various contraptions, from complex Pokémon models to remote-controlled cars. My love for robotics intensified once I was assigned as a junior researcher at NYU Applied Dynamics and Optimization Lab. I was taught the biomechanics of penguins walking on slippery surfaces and the potential applications in creating robots for handling various environments and aiding people with mobility impairments using exoskeletons. I saw firsthand how robotics and my research can contribute to a greater cause than myself, and I was able to use my knowledge to help other people, strengthening my love for engineering even more. Uncovering the inner secrets of penguins is one of many projects I want to tackle. At Purdue, I am excited to meet others with the same aspirations as me, determined to continue searching for innovative and impactful ways to use robotics to solve problems and make the “impossible” possible. I am honored to be a recipient of the TASF Scholarship. Their support eases the financial burden on my family, encourages me to stay focused on my goals, and pushes me to keep striving to be the best version of myself.
Evan Fu
Statistics and Data Science, University of California, Los Angeles
Evan Fu will be attending UCLA next school year as a statistics and data science major. He chose data science because it offers the tools and methodologies needed to extract valuable insights from vast amounts of data, which is crucial in the medical field. By harnessing the power of data, patterns and trends that might not be apparent otherwise can be uncovered, leading to more accurate diagnoses, better treatment plans, and ultimately, improved patient outcomes. Evan is particularly focused on utilizing data science to drive advancements in healthcare, especially in the realms of early cancer detection and personalized treatment. His goal is to transform early cancer detection by analyzing DNA shed by cells into the bloodstream and making personalization possible by leveraging biological data, such as genetic data, to identify each person’s unique biological features. In addition to his dedication to healthcare innovation, Evan is deeply committed to advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the healthcare industry. Recognizing the significant disparities that exist, especially among underserved communities, he is motivated to be a catalyst for change. His passion also extends to giving back to the Taiwanese community. This stems from Evan’s deep appreciation for his cultural heritage and the support he has received throughout his journey. Beyond involvement in religious and cultural events and educational initiatives, he aspires to establish sustainable programs that empower youth to pursue their aspirations, especially those who are underserved and underrepresented. To Evan, his journey isn’t just about education; it’s about investing in the future of his community and beyond. It’s about turning hardship into hope and adversity into opportunity. He is confident that he can continue to create meaningful change, both in academia and beyond.
Kai-Lu Lee
Physics | Duke University
Kai-Lu Lee is from Eastvale, CA. Kai-Lu is an incoming freshman at Duke University, with plans to major in either physics or mechanical engineering. Her decision to pursue this field stems from an interest in physics through taking AP Physics 1 and Physics C, and both her teachers in the two classes further strengthened her curiosity and desire to study and research in the subject. With her long-lasting love for math, she sees physics as the pathway to more practical applications.
Outside of academics, Kai-Lu is passionate about music and volunteering. She was in her high school band program for 4 years playing flute, piano, and bassoon. She was also the Inland Empire Branch Coordinator for a chamber music program, and hopes to continue serving her community with music. Kai-Lu also wants to help the community with more volunteer opportunities for students to showcase STEM experiments and activities in summer and winter camps. These passions have shaped a sense of leadership and teamwork which carries into all aspects of life. Kai-Lu also loves watching ice hockey and motorsports, and has aspirations to work in the motorsports industry in the future if not doing research.
With a strong commitment to using her education to give back, Kai-Lu hopes to build a career that not only fulfills her personal goals but also serves the greater good. Whether that means mentoring the next generation through physics education research or developing innovative solutions to global challenges through studying nuclear energy, she is dedicated to making a difference.
Kaiya Davis
International Affairs and Economics | University of Georgia
Kaiya Davis (陳凱亞) is an incoming freshman at the University of Georgia, where she will double major in International Affairs and Economics (BS). Born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, she lived there until the age of sixteen before moving to the United States without her family. That decision marked the beginning of a transition filled with cultural adjustments, language learning, and new perspectives. It also deepened their commitment to understanding the world beyond borders.
Her academic interests were shaped by real-life experiences. Topics like Taiwan’s international participation or regional security were never just debate topics; they were personal. Speech and debate introduced them to the connections between global diplomacy and economic policy. Her acceptance into a youth diplomatic exchange with the Czech Republic further confirmed that building mutual understanding requires more than just technical knowledge. It requires the ability to listen, to explain, and to represent your home with care.
Kaiya has grown into their role as a cultural bridge, no longer shrinking away when asked where they are from. They now speak clearly and proudly about Taiwan, offering its history and stories in both informal conversations and formal presentations. Whether it is introducing Lunar New Year to classmates or reflecting on misinterpretations abroad, they have learned that every moment of confusion can become a moment of connection. In college, she hopes to study international economic policy, contribute to cross-cultural dialogue, and eventually work in diplomacy or civil service. Kaiya’s goal is simple and deeply rooted, aiming to give back to the place that raised her.
Marshall Taylor
Life Sciences | Ohio State University
Marshall Tyler was raised in Centerville, Ohio, by his single mother, who immigrated from Taipei, Taiwan, to the United States in the early 2000s. As a child, Marshall frequently traveled to Taipei to visit his relatives and to experience the culture engulfing the beautiful island of Taiwan. He especially liked the food (dishes like 臺灣牛肉麵), the busy yet calm atmosphere of Taipei, and the friendly, outgoing people.
When he was young, Marshall looked up to his mother for providing and caring for him and his sister, even though times were tough. It is the fighting spirit and resilience that he saw in his mom that makes him proud to claim his heritage as a child of Taiwan.
Now, Marshall is a rising freshman at his state’s flagship university: The Ohio State University. His interest in the life sciences, further encouraged by his fondness for the natural world, precipitated his plans to major in Biochemistry as part of his preparations for medical school. To bear the mantle of the new life ahead of him, he made important academic decisions, such as taking college and college-level courses to complete requirements for his major before graduating from high school, as well as accruing real-life work experience to help earn money for college. This scholarship allows Marshall to focus on his academics at Ohio State, rather than worrying about money.
Marshall’s interests outside of academics include gardening, lifting weights, running, watching historical documentaries, reading, playing games, playing the piano, and hanging out with friends.
Nina Chen
Life Sciences | Northwestern University
Nina Chen is an incoming freshman at Northwestern University, originally from Taoyuan, Taiwan. After spending 15 years in Taiwan, she immigrated to the U.S. during her sophomore year of high school and now lives in Seattle, Washington. Her passion for medicine was first sparked by the Korean drama Dr. Romantic, which inspired her to pursue a career as a cardiothoracic surgeon. She also hopes to join Doctors Without Borders to provide medical care in underserved regions around the world. Her experience on a robotics team deepened her interest in technology and its applications in medicine. The problem-solving skills she developed made her realize she could design technologies to make surgeries less invasive and reduce risks for patients. She is interested in using technology to push the boundaries of medicine, specifically exploring how biotechnology can help unlock tissues’ regenerative potential. By majoring in biomedical engineering, she hopes to bring together her passion for robotics and medicine to create innovative tools that improve patient outcomes and make healthcare more accessible. Beyond academics, Nina has been actively involved in spreading her Taiwanese heritage as the founder of her high school’s Taiwanese Culture Club and a co-founder of the Asian Student Union (ASU). Through ASU, she collaborated with other cultural clubs to organize the Across the Pacific Heritage Night (ATPHN), the biggest Asian cultural celebration in the Shoreline area, to promote greater understanding and appreciation for the vibrant diversity of Asian Pacific heritages.
Tiffany Chen
Psychology | University of North Carolina
Tiffany is from Rogers, Arkansas and will be attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this upcoming fall. For the past four years, Tiffany has worked with students with special needs at her high school as a student mentor in Buddy Art, an adaptive art class that teaches students with disabilities how to express themselves creatively through art projects. Also having served as the president of Fans and Friends, a club that attends sporting events with students with special needs, Tiffany has organized multiple club meetings, fundraisers, and events to promote inclusion and foster a sense of community on her school campus.
Through these experiences, Tiffany has made countless memories, found a support system in friends and paraprofessionals, and gained an abundance of knowledge and awareness surrounding the disabled youth population in Rogers, Arkansas. She is excited to major in Psychology on the pre-med track at UNC and eventually attend medical school as an aspiring developmental pediatrician, where she can make an impact on future generations affected by intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Looking forward to her four years at UNC, Tiffany is excited to gain knowledge and experience in the medical field through clinical volunteering, shadowing medical professionals, and participating in undergraduate research surrounding early detection of different intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as the impact of their various treatments and interventions. Tiffany will continue to grow her passion for advocating and spreading awareness for those impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities through her education and is looking forward to serving her community as a leader in the field of developmental medicine.
