معرفی
May-lee Chai is a Professor in the Department of Humanities at San Francisco State University, within the College of Liberal & Creative Arts. She is currently on leave for Fall 2024. Her academic and literary work centers on Asian American literature, creative writing, memoir, and cultural translation.
Her research interests include:
- Creative Writing and Fiction
- Asian American and Immigrant Narratives
- Memoir and Autobiography
- Literary Translation (especially Chinese to English)
- Intergenerational and Family Identity
- Cultural Studies and Ethnic Representation
Chai's recent literary works, such as Tomorrow in Shanghai (2022) and Useful Phrases for Immigrants (2018), explore themes of diaspora, language, memory, and identity. Her publications reflect a deep engagement with Sino-American cultural dynamics, personal and collective history, and the emotional landscapes of immigrant families. The works span genres—fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and translation—demonstrating her versatility and narrative depth.
Her notable awards include:
- NEA Fellowship in Prose (2006–2007)
- American Book Award (2019)
- Asian/Pacific American Award in Literature
- Kiriyama Prize Notable Book (2008)
- Notable Essay in Best American Essays (2013)
She has served as a thesis advisor and reader, contributing to student mentorship. Chai has also held significant professional roles, including Book Review Editor for Asian Affairs: An American Review and elected member of the National Book Critics Circle. She previously taught at Amherst College, University of Wyoming, and University of North Carolina Wilmington, and was a Research Associate at UC Berkeley's Institute of East Asian Studies. Her journalistic background includes reporting for the Associated Press on major national and international events.
