BACI Launched Center for Research, Policy and Innovation (CRPI)

INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 7, 2020— The Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) just launched its new center Center for Research, Policy and Innovation (CRPI) on August 5.

“We are excited to be able to expand our research program by establishing a new center at the Burmese American Community Institute: Center for Research, Policy and Innovation (CRPI),” said Dr. Bruce Ray, member of the Board of Directors of the BACI.

CRPI has been designed to enable continuation of collaborative research and action projects with various researchers in Indiana, as well as with Burmese scholars, other international scholars, and scholars across the US whose research and projects might be applicable to the Burmese American community, to Myanmar, and to Southeast Asia. Building from a highly successful BACI Upward College Summer Scholars program over the past 9 years, the BACI hopes this expansion will provide another level for research activities, policy, and service and development oriented innovative projects, including reform efforts inside Myanmar.

“On behalf of the Burmese American Community Institute Board, may I take this opportunity to announce that today we are officially launching the Center for Research, Policy, and Innovation (CRPI). The BACI board is grateful for the leadership of our Executive Director, Mr. Elaisa Vahnie, and we are certain that the CRPI will be an important component furthering the BACI’s mission and vision in coming years. Thank you Mr. Vahnie for your exceptional leadership, dedication and service to our shared community”, said Dr. Ray.

“The BACI has built a strong network of local partners and I am thankful for this opportunity to be part of the new center.  In partnership with the BACI, we have been awarded the Charles R. Bantz Chancellor’s Community Scholar Award from IUPUI.  With this we will expand community-driven research and strengthen community-university collaborations”, said Dr. Jessica Euna Lee, Ph.D, affiliate of CRPI and Assistant Professor at IUPUI.

While the center hopes to grow with scholars and leaders nationally and internationally, currently Lian Sang, MPH, CRPI Research Support & Programs Director of BACI, Mary Encobo, M.S.Ed, CRPI Affiliate, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Ei Ei Hlaing, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, the University of Lynchburg, Maureen Hoffmann, Ph.D. CRPI Affiliate, Thomas P. Miller & Associates, Jessica Euna Lee, Ph.D., LSW, CRPI Affiliate, Assistant Professor at IUPUI, Dr. Megan S. McHenry, MD, MS, FAAP, CRPI Affiliate, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Mengxi Zhang, Ph.D., CRPI Affiliate, Assistant Professor of Health Science, Ball State University, and Xiang Zhou, Ph.D. CRPI Affiliate, Assistant Professor in Counseling Psychology, Purdue University will all be collaboratively working through the CRPI.

“Moving forward, we will be strengthening and enhancing our existing programs and services as well as creating new opportunities by the creation of new innovative programs in response to emerging needs in the community, while putting all the effort toward sustaining these programs in comprehensive, creative, and impactful ways through big ideas”, said Elaisa Vahnie who will be directing the center.

About BACI
The Burmese American Community Institute is a non-profit organization founded in 2011 that provides educational and vocational support to the Burmese community in greater Indianapolis. The BACI supports community members regionally, nationally, and globally through strategic partnerships and advocacy. Since its inception, the BACI has assisted over 10,000+ individuals.

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