Hello readers! My name is Josh Nguyen (he/him), and I am a senior in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. Currently, I am double majoring in the history of art and architecture (HAA) and microbiology, with a minor in chemistry and certificate in the Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. Outside of academics, I love thrifting, exploring new coffee shops, and going to art museums! I am fascinated by contemporary art and its intersection with politics. My interest is driven by my desire to study marginalized stories and understand the histories of traditionally excluded people, challenging preconceived notions and exploring new dimensions of diversity in the process.

For my Chancellor’s Undergraduate Teaching Fellowship, I am working with Dr. Michelle McCoy to incorporate a Southeast Asian focus into HAA 0020: Intro to Asian art. Conversations about Asian art have traditionally focused on East Asia—a region primarily focused on China, South Korea, and Japan. Broadening our understanding of what constitutes Asian art contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the 48 different Asian cultures and artistic traditions. By exploring works from countries like Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, I hope that students will gain insight into the unique and nuanced practices that are often overlooked by more prominent East Asian traditions.

This semester, I will design a series of three lessons on Southeast Asian art that chronologically spans early, medieval, and modern periods. Each module will feature key objects from various Southeast Asian countries within their respective time period. Whether that be varying depictions of Buddha statues or Khmer temples like Angkor Wot, these modules will encompass different modes and mediums, so that students can be introduced to a breadth of different art forms. Southeast Asian art provides a unique historical lens through which students can understand the interactions of European, East Asian, and Indigenous peoples. The historical, social, and political dynamics that have shaped the region range from European colonization to Chinese imperialism to the hundreds of ethnic minorities. The combination of these influences creates a rich tapestry of Southeast Asian art. With these goals and ideas motivating me, I look forward to teaching one of the lessons later this Spring.

After graduation, I hope to pursue an MD/PhD and explore the intersection of compassion, service, and innovation through combining biomedical research with culturally competent, patient-centered care. As a double major in microbiology and HAA, I have strived to explore different modes of thinking and develop diverse perspectives to help me work in an interdisciplinary team. Art history has motivated me to continuously expand my knowledge of the human condition and deepen my empathy for others, and I strive to forge a path where art is incorporated into medicine—a space where healing and connection are centered. My unique perspective will contribute to a more inclusive collection of thought and build nuance into our understanding of both the healthcare system and society. By participating in this fellowship, I will challenge the way I synthesize and communicate information to students across disciplines and develop education skills that I will use in my future career in academia.