Jenny Nguyen Selected as 2024 Asian Studies Outstanding Senior

The University at Buffalo Asian Studies faculty has selected Jenny Nguyen as the Outstanding Senior for 2024. Jenny was selected from a highly competitive pool of nominees in the 2024 class. We are all very proud of everyone's accomplishments and dedication to their studies.  

The Outstanding Senior Award honors one graduating senior from each department in the College of Arts and Sciences who has demonstrated exceptional diligence and promise during their time at the University at Buffalo. These students' efforts have distinguished them among their peers and set an inspiring example of academic and personal achievement.

In her Asian Studies career, Jenny focused on the global phenomenon of Korean pop culture, delving deep into multifaceted aspects ranging from the music to English use within the medium and its socio-cultural impact worldwide. She also enjoyed learning about the captivating world of Japanese video games and fan culture, analyzing their narratives, fan behavior, and cultural significance.

Among the highlights of her career at UB was her participation in the 16^th Korea-America Student Conference with funding from the Asia Research Institute. She also served on the organizing committee for the Rustgi Undergraduate Student Conference.

In Spring of 2023, with funding from the Asian Studies Program, she studied abroad at Korea University located in Seoul, South Korea. Jenny says, “Learning about Korea and its rich culture has been a joy at UB. However, it was through my experience studying abroad and as a conference participant in KASC, that I learned that genuine understanding comes from meaningful interactions with other people.”

Jenny plans to leverage her background in Asian studies to pursue a Master of Social Work at Hunter College in the Fall. She hopes to foster cross-cultural empathy and address the diverse needs of communities in need.

Please join us in congratulating Jenny Nguyen as the 2024 Outstanding Senior!