The Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) extends its heartfelt thanks to Southern Methodist University (SMU) and Assistant
Led by ACAESUSA President Jan Xie, the visit gave students a rare and meaningful opportunity to engage directly with faculty members, tour cutting-edge research labs, and explore future paths in science, medicine, and higher education.
Exploring Science Firsthand
The tour included visits to three key labs, hosted by:
- Dr. Richard Jones, Chair and Professor
- Assistant Professor Jonathan Hibshman
- Assistant Professor Zhihao Wu
Students were introduced to a wide range of exciting research:
- The Wu Lab, which investigates neurodegeneration and mitochondrial quality control using fruit fly models.
- The Schretter Lab, opening in 2026, which will explore how sensory cues like smell and hunger influence social behaviors.
- The Hibshman Lab, which uses tardigrades and C. elegans to study biological survival under extreme stress for biomedical applications.
Each lab showcased real-world applications of science and highlighted how young people can begin their journey toward careers in research and medicine.
At the conclusion of the program, three 12th-grade student officers presented flowers to thank the guest speakers for their time and inspiration. The presenters were:
- Zachary Huang, President of ACAE-Youth Medical Branch
- Diana X. Chen, Co-President of ACAE-Youth Medical Branch
- Keira Yang, President of ACAE-Youth DDYA
Their gesture symbolized deep appreciation and highlighted the leadership and gratitude fostered within the ACAESUSA youth community.
Patriotism and Leadership
After the tours, students and families gathered for lunch and participated in a student officer oath ceremony and flag presentation. One of the most touching moments came when a recording of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was played—performed by ACAESUSA youth.
During the officer oath ceremony, each of us received a rose from ACAESUSA. It wasn’t just a flower — it felt like a symbol of trust, encouragement, and a reminder that we are now leaders.“When I received the rose, I felt seen and supported,” said Zachary Huang, “It reminded me that I’m not alone, and that I have a whole community cheering me on.”
This simple but meaningful moment made the ceremony even more special — and gave us the confidence to step forward and serve.
(From Left to Right: Jason Li, Zachary Huang, Keria Yang, Yutong Hua, Julian Liu, Sara Ye )
“This event helped our students build confidence and leadership while connecting them to the possibilities of science,” said President Jan Xie. “We’re thankful to SMU and Professor Wu for opening doors for our future leaders.”
The full list of ACAESUSA Youth Officers will be published on our official website soon.
Community Encouragement
The event was further strengthened by encouragement from community and university leaders:
- University Park Mayor Tommy Stewart and
- University of Texas President Jay Hartzell
Both leaders shared warm regards and expressed their support for the youth and families in attendance.
A Meaningful Farewell
After the tour, many students were reluctant to leave, moved by what they had experienced. Some stayed to enjoy meals at SMU’s cafeteria, while others gathered with peers for group photos to commemorate the day – a symbol of friendship, inspiration, and a bright future ahead.
Looking Ahead
This event is part of ACAESUSA’s broader mission to support education, civic engagement, and cultural identity among AAPI youth. The organization has held similar programs with institutions like UT Arlington, and looks forward to future collaborations.
🔗 Visit www.acaesusa.org to learn more.
📸 Full photo gallery available
📩 Contact: info@acaesusa.org
