Saint Louis University (SLU) has been awarded a significant grant to establish the Institute for Multidisciplinary Asian Studies (IMAS), a new virtual center that will promote deeper exploration of Asian cultures, languages, and geopolitical dynamics. This initiative, titled “Deciphering Geopolitical Dynamics through Language and Cultural Studies,” is funded by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) as part of the Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (IC-CAE) program. The primary aim is to provide students and faculty with critical insights into the complexities of East Asia, enhancing both academic knowledge and practical skills that align with national interests.
The project is spearheaded by Joe Lyons, Ph.D., associate professor of security and intelligence at SLU, who also serves as the director of the university’s IC-CAE program. Lyons will work alongside a multidisciplinary team that includes Luchen Li, Ph.D., associate vice president for global engagement and international enrollment; Yun A. Lee, Ph.D., assistant professor of Chinese; and Kamryn Moore, education abroad coordinator from the Office of International Services.
Establishing a New Hub for Asian Studies
The grant will fund the creation of the Institute for Multidisciplinary Asian Studies (IMAS), which will operate under SLU’s existing IC-CAE program. The institute will take a virtual format, enabling collaboration across multiple disciplines, such as social sciences, humanities, and STEM. It aims to develop specialized programs and seminars on Asian politics, diplomacy, cultural studies, and technological advancements, which will be accessible not only to SLU students, faculty, and staff but also to the academic communities of Harris Stowe State University and Lincoln University.
The focus of the institute will be on East Asia, a region that has garnered increasing global attention due to its complex geopolitical landscape. IMAS will serve as a platform for fostering greater understanding of the region’s intricate relationships, particularly how culture and language interact with diplomacy and international relations. Additionally, the institute’s interdisciplinary approach will aim to synthesize the expertise of faculty and students from diverse fields, promoting a well-rounded academic perspective on the geopolitical significance of East Asia.
“This grant offers a tremendous opportunity for collaboration between faculty and international education staff,” said Luchen Li, Ph.D.. “It allows us to expand SLU’s global reach while addressing national interests. The geopolitical tensions in East and Southeast Asia underscore the importance of understanding the intricate relationships between culture, language, and diplomacy.”
Taiwan Study Abroad Program and Scholarships
A key component of the IMAS initiative is the Taiwan Study Abroad Program, which will launch in the summer of 2025. This program is designed to immerse students in the culture, politics, and languages of East Asia, with a focus on Taiwan’s unique geopolitical position. Through this initiative, the institute will provide up to eight scholarships for students, covering the cost of the study abroad experience.
Students from various academic backgrounds—including social sciences, humanities, and STEM—will have the chance to participate in seminars, cultural immersion activities, and discussions on how dialects and language use can shift due to geopolitical tensions. Led by Yun A. Lee, Ph.D., the program will provide a comprehensive, instructor-guided experience that blends academic learning with cultural engagement.
“The Taiwan Study Abroad program will offer students a rare opportunity to not only study another culture and language but also to understand how these elements intersect with international relations,” said Joe Lyons, Ph.D.. “This type of global perspective is increasingly valuable in today’s world and is particularly sought after by the U.S. Intelligence Community.”
A Strategic Partnership for Intelligence and Academic Excellence
IMAS and its Taiwan study abroad program are part of a broader partnership between SLU and the U.S. Intelligence Community, specifically through the Intelligence Community Centers for Academic Excellence (IC-CAE) program. This initiative seeks to prepare students for careers in national security by developing the skills and knowledge needed to address complex global challenges.
The skills students will develop through this program—intercultural communication, adaptability, and problem-solving—are highly valued by employers in the intelligence and security sectors. The Taiwan Study Abroad program, in particular, is designed to cultivate these competencies by exposing students to the nuances of geopolitical conflicts, diplomatic negotiations, and cultural diplomacy.
“The institute’s efforts to enhance understanding of East Asian geopolitics will benefit not only the SLU community but also contribute to the U.S. Intelligence Community’s goals of fostering analytical skills and global awareness,” Lyons added. “This partnership represents a tremendous opportunity for our students to gain real-world experience and make meaningful contributions to their field.”
Expanding Global Opportunities at SLU
The IMAS initiative is not the only international program supported by SLU’s IC-CAE. The university already offers a summer study abroad program in Madrid, Spain, which provides students with scholarships, travel funding, and training in areas such as international relations and language acquisition.
SLU’s IC-CAE program offers a range of support for students and faculty, including scholarships, travel grants, and specialized training opportunities. These initiatives are designed to help students not only succeed academically but also prepare for future careers in government, international relations, and intelligence.
The Broader Impact of the Institute for Multidisciplinary Asian Studies
By establishing the Institute for Multidisciplinary Asian Studies, Saint Louis University is positioning itself as a leader in the field of Asian cultural and geopolitical studies. The institute will serve as a bridge between academic inquiry and practical application, equipping students with the tools to navigate the complexities of global diplomacy.
Moreover, by partnering with other universities such as Harris Stowe State University and Lincoln University, SLU is expanding its impact, creating opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to engage in global learning. The institute’s programs will contribute to a deeper understanding of the world’s most densely populated and politically significant regions, preparing the next generation of leaders to engage with international challenges thoughtfully and effectively.
Through its multidisciplinary approach, the institute aims to provide comprehensive training in areas such as language studies, cultural analysis, international politics, and diplomacy. As global attention continues to focus on the evolving dynamics in East and Southeast Asia, the work of the IMAS will be increasingly relevant, both within the academic community and the broader intelligence and security sectors.
In conclusion, Saint Louis University’s newly funded Institute for Multidisciplinary Asian Studies represents a major step forward in fostering global understanding and preparing students for the challenges of an interconnected world. With initiatives like the Taiwan Study Abroad program, the institute will offer students unparalleled opportunities to engage with critical global issues while developing the skills necessary for success in their future careers.
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