Dr. Cheah’s academic career has been marked by groundbreaking scholarship that has garnered national and international reputation. She is an internationally recognized leader in cultural and developmental science. Her research focuses on individual, familial, and culture factors and processes that influence the development and wellbeing of diverse populations. In the last three years, her work has been at the forefront of including the voices and perspectives of Asian communities into the broader racial discourse, as well as how to strengthen cross-racial coalitions to address racial and health inequities. 

The impact of Dr. Cheah’s research is profound at many levels. Within the field of cultural and developmental science, her work significantly increases the visibility of Asian American communities, broadens our understanding of how racism affects the wellbeing of Asian children and families, and has been shaping the direction of future research on racism and health inequities. At the policy level, Dr. Cheah’s research has been used by organizations and the federal government to guide their recommendations and policies. For the general public, Dr. Cheah’s work has been shaping the national discourse on anti-Asian racism and what we can do to promote racial justice, diversity, and inclusion. Between March 2020 and April 2020, she was interviewed by the media 27 times, including highly influential outlets such as The New York Times, Washington Post, Science Magazine, and NPR Science Friday. Such an unparalleled level of media attention establishes Dr. Cheah as a scholar for the public good.

Given her contribution to science and the phenomenal impact of her work, Dr. Cheah was elected as the president for the Society for Research on Adolescence in March 2022. She is the first Asian woman to lead a major international research association in developmental science. In this role, she will continue to use her scholarship to lead and shape scientific and public discourse on youth and adolescence globally, and to guide parenting, schooling, programs, and policies.  

Congratulations again, Charissa! We are so proud of you! 

Cheah at the Critical Conversation on “The Future of Science on Racism: A Conversation with the Experts” at the 2022 American Psychological Association Convention.

Cheah and current members of the Culture, Child, and Adolescent Development Laboratory