Name of Professor: Katherine Wilhelm, U.S.-Asia Law Institute
Location of Office and Phone Number: Wilf 508, 212-992-8124
Name of Professor’s Staff Assistant: Stephany Ramos
Nature of Research:
Become a student fellow at the U.S.-Asia Law Institute (USALI). The
institute offers one currently enrolled NYU Law student the opportunity to work with the Asian
American Scholars Forum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to advance and protect the rights
of Asian Americans and immigrants through policy and legal analysis and research at the
intersections of national security, civil rights, and racial justice. The student will have the status
of a Research Assistant and will work under the joint supervision of USALI Executive Director
Katherine Wilhelm and Asian American Scholars Forum Executive Director Gisela Perez
Kusakawa, an experienced civil rights lawyer.
Possible assignments may include:
➢ Conduct research on proposed legislation to determine areas with potential for negative
impact on Asian Americans and immigrants, and offer recommendations on the
prevention of racial bias and profiling in national security policies.
➢ Conduct research on immigration and racial justice issues faced by Chinese students
such as denial of entry.
➢ Advocate with legislators and executive branch officials to protect and advance the rights
of Asian Americans and immigrants, particularly in the areas of profiling, hate,
surveillance, and racial bias.
➢ Prepare case summaries and memos, and track case developments.
➢ Draft community education materials, coordinate meetings, and conduct outreach.
➢ Assist in organizing a conference to explore the tensions between national security and
civil rights.
Can work be done remotely? Yes.
Qualifications (be specific regarding class level: 1L, 2L, 3L or LL.M.): 2L or higher.
➢ Passion for Asian American civil rights
➢ Interest in the intersection of laws involving immigration, civil rights, national security,
and technology
➢ Detail-oriented and able to meet deadlines
➢ Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills
Approximate Dates of Employment: September through April, with pauses during exam
periods and holidays. Option to work for academic credit or pay.
Approximate Number of Hours/Week: maximum of 20 hours per week and overall maximum
of 400 hours (20 hours for 20 weeks). Hours must be logged into PeopleSync.
Materials to Submit for Application: Resume, unofficial law school transcript, and cover
letter that sets out reasons for interest and highlights any relevant past research or familiarity
with the subject matter. Send via email to Stephany Ramos at ramoss@mercury.law.nyu.edu.
Deadline for application: May 25, 2024 (to begin September 2024). Applications will be
considered on a rolling basis so please apply as early as possible.
The U.S.-Asia Law Institute (USALI) is one of America’s preeminent research centers for the
study of law in East Asia. It serves as a bridge between Asia and the United States, fostering
mutual understanding on legal issues and using constructive engagement with our partners to
promote rule of law and human rights. The Institute is funded by institutional grants and gifts to
conduct legal exchange programs, hold conferences and speaker programs, publish research and analysis, and teach courses about law in Asia.
The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes academic belonging, openness, freedom, and equality for all. AASF was founded in response to heightened anti-Asian sentiments in the U.S. and increasing profiling and racial bias of Asian Americans and immigrants. We are a leading national voice fighting for the rights of the Asian American and immigrant scientific and academic community. We represent the individuals, families, and communities most directly affected by the profiling of Asian American scientists, researchers, and scholars and unjust prosecutions conducted before and under the now defunct Department of Justice’s China Initiative.