Thai-Huy Nguyen

Thai-Huy Nguyen is a distinguished Senior Research Associate at the Rutgers Center for Minority Serving Institutions and a Policy Researcher at the Rand Corporation. His academic journey and professional endeavors are deeply rooted in addressing racial and social class inequalities, with a particular focus on the transformative role of broad access institutions like community colleges and minority-serving institutions. Nguyen's research is pivotal in understanding how these institutions can serve as catalysts for change, especially in diversifying the STEM and professional health workforce. Nguyen has conducted extensive studies on the contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in diversifying the STEM fields, highlighting their critical role in shaping a more inclusive workforce. His research extends to exploring the pathways available to low-income students at community colleges, aiming to facilitate their transition to four-year STEM degrees. This work is crucial in identifying and overcoming barriers that these students face, thereby promoting educational equity and opportunity. In addition to his focus on HBCUs, Nguyen has also led a national study on Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs). This research sheds light on the unique challenges and opportunities these institutions encounter, contributing valuable insights into their impact on educational outcomes for underrepresented groups. Nguyen's scholarly contributions have been widely recognized, with his work published in numerous academic journals. His commitment to advancing knowledge in his field has earned him accolades, including recognition as an Emerging Scholar by Diverse Issues in Higher Education. This honor underscores his influence and potential in shaping future research and policy directions. Through his work, Nguyen continues to advocate for policies and practices that enhance the educational experiences and outcomes for marginalized communities. His dedication to research and policy development reflects a deep commitment to fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.