Hi, my name is Kai, and I am the AIP History/Niels Bohr Archives Library & Archives Program Intern this summer! I am a rising junior at Princeton University where I plan to study a combination of Astrophysics, the History of Science, and Peace Studies.

Growing up in New York City, I became involved with social justice and activism at a young age, understanding the need to uplift voices that often go unheard. As I grew up, I involved myself with efforts to make whatever community I was a part of more inclusive so that everyone felt welcomed into whatever space they inhabited. Consequently, as my love for the history of science grew, I became interested in researching how science and marginalized identities have interacted with each other (or lack thereof).

Over the past several years, my academic studies and research have primarily revolved around exploring how science has impacted those considered ‘other.’ In particular, I have focused on how many scientists carry the same prejudices as larger society, and how that, in turn, leads to feelings of ostracization. By exploring this, I realized the importance of listening to minority voices and the importance of visibility.

Through this internship, I hope to continue researching the intersections of science and social justice. In addition to researching physicists of marginalized identities, I hope to use outreach to encourage others of the same identity to know that they have a place in the physics and astrophysics communities.

At Princeton, I’ve expanded on my belief that listening to others is key to growth by serving on the Student Government’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and the Princeton Rose Castle Society which seeksto use reconciliation and restorative justice to engage people in dialogue across differences. Additionally, I am a peer reviewer for my school’s undergraduate research journal and a French translator for a student-run club. Outside all of this, I also love making ceramics, drinking tea, baking, and watching movies!