Amy Borovoy

Amy Borovoy is a Professor of East Asian Studies at Princeton University, with a focus on cultural and medical anthropology. Her work examines how societies organize social care, public health, and mental health systems, particularly in Japan. She has conducted extensive ethnographic research on topics including alcoholism, hikikomori, and organ transplantation ethics.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Anthropology, Stanford University
• M.A. in Anthropology, Stanford University
• B.A. in Psychology, Harvard University (Magna cum laude)

Her research bridges theoretical and applied anthropology, analyzing Japan’s postwar social policies and their implications for global modernity. Current projects investigate aging, brain death, and family-based organ donation. She also explores comparative public health strategies, notably Japan’s and America’s approaches to metabolic syndrome and weight gain.

Scientific Awards:

• Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission-NEH Fellowship
• Japan Foundation Fellowship
• SSRC/CGP Abe Fellowship
• ACLS Charles A. Ryskamp Research Fellowship

Borovoy is affiliated with Princeton’s Global Japan Lab, Center for Health and Well-Being, Global Health Program, and University Center for Human Values. She serves on the Bioethics Committee at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, New Brunswick.