Vu selected for William T. Grant Scholar Class of 2031

April 15, 2026
By Andrew Nellis

Ha Ngan (Milkie) Vu, PhD, assistant professor of Preventive Medicine, has been named one of seven early-career scientists selected for the 2031 class of the William T. Grant Scholars program. The highly-competitive award will provide Vu with $425,000 over five years to further her research aimed at understanding and addressing physical activity, sleep, and sedentary behavior among U.S. Vietnamese youth.

“Disparities in children’s movement behaviors can set in motion the early pathways through which academic, social, health, and economic inequalities emerge, so it’s critical to address them early.” Vu said. “I am incredibly grateful for the foundation’s commitment. This award allows us to generate the data and build the capacity needed to reduce these health inequalities in meaningful and lasting ways.”

Physical activity, sleep, and sedentary screen use play a key role in children’s health, cognitive functioning, and emotional regulation. However, fewer than 1 in 10 U.S. youth meet the recommended guidelines, a trend that is keenly felt within U.S. Vietnamese communities.

Vu’s research will focus on developing an effective, parent-directed intervention to address sedentary behavior and mitigate its long-term impacts to children’s academic, social, and economic outcomes.

To achieve that goal, Vu will co-design and test her intervention with the Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA), a community-based organization that has been serving Asian, Vietnamese, and immigrant populations in Chicagoland since 1981. If the intervention is effective, the CMAA will be able to integrate the practice into its after-school programs.

In addition to direct research support, the William T. Grant Scholars program also provides funding for training and mentorship. Through the program, Vu will work closely with her mentors Soyang Kwon, PhD, research associate professor of Emergency Medicine, and Namratha Kandula, MD, MPH, professor of Medicine and Preventative Medicine.

“This prestigious award is a strong reflection of the significance, innovation, and rigor of Dr. Vu’s research,” said Darius Tandon, PhD, professor of Medical Social Sciences and director of the Center for Community Health. “There is no doubt this project will improve the health and well-being of U.S. Vietnamese youth.”

Vu specializes in community-engaged research focused on reducing cancer and chronic disease. Her previous work has centered on HPV vaccination, family-based approaches towards chronic disease prevention, and diabetes management.

Launched in 1982, the William T. Grant Scholars Program has supported the professional development of over 200 talented early-career researchers. Scholars receive funding to execute rigorous five-year research plans that stretch their skills and knowledge into new disciplines, content areas, or methods. This year, the Bezos Family Foundation has joined in supporting the Scholars awards.