Jennifer Tran, Ph.D.

Expertise

Interracial relations, Refugees and immigrants, Community engagement, Gender & sexuality

Unique life experiences

Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, board member of Oakland Parks and Recreation; queer; Oakland native; emcee

Languages spoken other than English

Spanish and Vietnamese

Biography

Dr. Jennifer Kim-Anh Tran is an Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies at California State University, East Bay.  Prior to earning a Ph.D. in American Studies and Ethnicity from the University of Southern California, she completed her undergraduate studies as a double major in Urban Studies and Planning and Ethnic Studies at UC San Diego. Her scholarly and teaching interests include critical refugee studies, comparative ethnic studies, gender & sexuality, and urban studies. As an Oakland organizer, Dr. Tran also leads inclusive community development initiatives that center the needs and leadership expertise of refugees, immigrants, and people of color in her hometown.

In The News

• Chinese Names and Elected Officials (ABC-7)

  Ethnic studies professor Jenn Tran speaks on the importance of leaders understanding the diversity in the AAPI community.

  May 28, 2024

• Bay Area Gun Shops Report Spike in Sales (NBC Bay Area)

  Ethnic studies professor Jenn Tran says the conflict in the Middle East is just one of many pressures behind gun sales.

  October 17, 2023

• CSU East Bay Professor Jennifer Tran Annouces Run for Rep. Barbara Lee’s Congressional Seat (CBS Bay Area)

  Professor Jenn Tran explains why East Bay communities would benefit from a leader with experience on the ground.

  May 25, 2023

• Roe v. Wade: Bay Area LGBTQ+ community worries rights could be threatened next if abortion is banned (ABC-7)

  Professor JK Tran weighs in on what the Roe v. Wade decision could mean for LGBTQ+ rights.

  May 4, 2022

• 'Unique moment in our history': Community leaders reflect on how COVID-19 impacted racial justice (ABC-7)

  A conversation with community leaders about COVID-19 and racial justice.

  March 19, 2021

• Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce on Asian Pacific America (NBC Bay Area)

  Cal State East Bay ethnic studies professor Jennifer Tran, who is also executive director of the Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce, discusses a program awarding grants to small business owners.

  October 4, 2021