Show-Me State Times

Saint Louis University (SLU) has received a grant to establish the Institute for Multidisciplinary Asian Studies (IMAS). The project, titled "Deciphering Geopolitical Dynamics through Language and Cultural Studies," is funded by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence as part of the Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence program. Joe Lyons, Ph.D., associate professor of security and intelligence at SLU, leads the project.

The research team includes Luchen Li, Ph.D., associate vice president for global engagement; Yun A. Lee, Ph.D., assistant professor of Chinese; and Kamryn Moore, education abroad coordinator. The institute will focus on synthesizing expertise from various academic disciplines to design programs on Asian cultures, politics, diplomacy, and technological advancement. These programs will be available to students and faculty at SLU, Harris Stowe State University, and Lincoln University.

Luchen Li stated that the grant offers an opportunity to expand global reach by addressing national interests and SLU's commitment to higher purpose. He emphasized the importance of understanding cultural relationships in East Asia due to increasing geopolitical attention.

The institute plans its inaugural study abroad program in Taiwan during summer 2025. Up to eight scholarships will be offered for this program led by Yun A. Lee. Students from diverse disciplines will engage in seminars on cultural immersion and dialects related to geopolitical differences.

Joe Lyons highlighted that the initiative would provide students with skills demanded by the U.S. Intelligence Community: "This is a tremendous partnership for us, the region, and the Intelligence Community Centers for Academic Excellence program."

Apart from this new initiative in East Asia, SLU's IC-CAE already offers a summer study abroad program in Madrid, Spain. The center supports scholarships and training opportunities aimed at preparing students for careers in U.S. intelligence agencies.

Formed in 2022 with a $2.5 million grant from ODNI, SLU's IC-CAE collaborates with Harris Stowe State University and Lincoln University to develop intelligence-related curricula.