A graduate student from the University of Wisconsin–Madison is pushing for the disaggregation of data in research to better understand how individuals from different ethnic subgroups are represented as research participants and as researchers. Kao Lee Yang began writing and discussing the topic after the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Gilliam Fellowship for Advanced Study rejected her application for not meeting their racial and ethnic underrepresentation criteria, despite often being the only Hmong American scientist in many research spaces. Yang joins the podcast to discuss her opinion piece for STAT News, the problems with using aggregated data, and how the push to study individual ethnic groups could improve Alzheimer’s disease research.
Guest: Kao Lee Yang, MPA/PhD candidate in the Neuroscience and Public Policy Program and Bendlin Laboratory, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Episode Topics6:12 Why is combining all Asian people into one category detrimental? What is improved when this population is broken down by specific heritages and ethnicities?
8:40 How did people respond to your initial article in STAT News?
9:30 Why do you think it’s important to look at the individual ethnic groups within research?
11:17 How does the problem of aggregating data on Asian Americans impact the field of Alzheimer’s disease research?
Show NotesRead Yang’s opinion piece, “I’m almost always the only Hmong American scientist in the room. Yet I was told I come from a group overrepresented in STEM,” on STAT News’ website.
Read Yang’s correspondence, “Disaggregate data on Asian Americans — for science and scientists,” on Nature’s website.
To learn about more Hmong researchers and scientists like Kao Lee Yang, follow the Twitter account she recently launched, @HmongInBioSci.
Read about Alzheimer’s disease research in the Bendlin Lab.
Intermittent Fasting and Its Effects on the Brain
Research Update: Aerobic Exercise and Brain Health
Apps & Alzheimer’s: Supporting Informal Caregiving Through Mobile Technology
Sex Differences in Alzheimer’s Disease
Neighborhoods and Neurons: Study Finds Association between Neighborhood Disadvantage and Alzheimer’s Disease-related Brain Changes
Exploring the Lessons Learned as a New Caregiver
Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative investigates genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Zip Codes Are More than a Number: Study Finds Link between Neighborhoods and Memory-related Brain Structures
Caregiver Coping Skills and Communication Strategies for a Pandemic
Mindfulness: What Is It, What Are the Benefits, Where to Begin
Long Distance Caregiving and Connecting: How to Remain in Close Contact with Your Loved Ones while Following Physical Distancing Recommendations
The Ins & Outs of Telemedicine: Quick Tips for Patients
Care & Support Services Offered by the Alzheimer’s Association
A Glimpse into the National Family Caregiver Support Program
Maintaining Mental Health During a Pandemic Part 2: Anxiety, Depression, Stress Management & Coping
Maintaining Mental Health During a Pandemic Part 1: Consequences of Isolation & Tips to Prevent Them
Predicting Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease Today and Tomorrow
DNA Is Not Your Destiny: Genetics and Alzheimer’s Disease Risk
Exercise Your Mind: Cognitively Stimulating Activities and Social Engagement
Bonus Episode: Current Research into Frontotemporal Dementia
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Life in the A-Zone
Caregiver Storyteller - About Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregiving
The Life, Love, and Alzheimer’s Podcast
Fading Memories: Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support
Alzheimer’s Speaks