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Gossip Burst Report

Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month

Author

Mia Walsh

Published Apr 08, 2026

APIA Events and Activities Banner

Biographical Spotlights

May 1-31

Read brief biographical spotlights about Asian and Pacific Islander American faculty, staff and learners to learn about community members’ backgrounds, careers and what brought them to KU Medical Center. View the spotlights or follow KU Medical Center Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on social media (@kumcdei) for stories and photos all month long.

Jayhawk Coffee Break

May 1, 12-1 p.m.

As we kick off our Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month, join us during a special Jayhawk Coffee/Tea Break and enjoy the opportunity to hear from first-generation APIA individuals. This is a great opportunity to connect and network with your colleagues!

Featured Research Seminars

Epigenome and Enhancer Malfunction in Reproductive Tumorigenesis

May 4, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Hybrid: 1006 Wahl Hall West A
uditorium or Zoom

Debabrata Chakravarti, Ph.D., vice chair for translational research in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Anna Lapham Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University will present this seminar. Sponsored by Bohan Visiting Lectureship, J. Hambleton Abrahams Lectureship in Physiology, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology and the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Light refreshments will be provided.

For virtual attendees, Join via Zoom Meeting ID: 956 5947 8408 Passcode: 191355

Non-Neural Mechanisms of Neuronal Aging: Active Participation of Skin Cells

May 5, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Hybrid: 1050 School of Nursing Building or virtual

Lezi E, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, at the Medical College of Wisconsin will lead this seminar. Sponsored by the Bohan Visiting Lectureship, KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Light refreshments will be provided.

Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month Research Keynote

May 17, 12-1 p.m.
Virtual

Learn about the research conducted by KU Medical Center’s Asian and Pacific Islander American faculty during this special event. Hubert Tse, Ph.D., chair and professor, Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology at KU School of Medicine, will share about his research and personal journey of resilience and unity.

View Presentation Video

Cultural Celebration

May 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Hybrid: Filipino Cultural Center (9810 W 79th St, Overland Park, KS 66204) or virtual

In honor of Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month, KU Medical Center has partnered with four local organizations and groups for a celebration event that will showcase cultural performances and feature food and refreshments for our attendees. In-person attendance is encouraged!

Register online now

Wellness Event

Kirmayer Fitness Center has provided an on-demand video for basic yoga instruction as we focus on mental health and wellness as part of our Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month celebration. View the recorded session at your leisure with friends and colleagues or participate from the comfort of your home or office. 

Please note: In order to participate in this exercise, you should be in good physical condition. If you engage in this exercise, you are doing so voluntarily and at your own risk.