Reflecting on Undergraduate Research Experiences in Public Service: Chris Lu '88 Discusses His Career in Public Service
In the world of politics, one Princeton alum is making a significant impact, especially during this year's presidential primary process. CL, one of the highest-ranking Asian Americans in the Obama administration, is an at-large member of the Democratic National Convention, playing a crucial role in shaping the course of the 2020 election.
CL's journey to this prestigious position began at Princeton, where he majored in the Woodrow Wilson School due to its interdisciplinary nature and junior-year policy task forces. His experiences and career have been featured in several articles, including "Looking Back on Undergraduate Research: A Conversation with Teri Tillman '16", "Looking Back on Undergraduate Research: A Conversation with Adrian Tasistro-Hart '17", and "Looking Back on Undergraduate Research: A Conversation with Jacob Schatz '15".
CL's policy background and research at Princeton have greatly influenced his professional career. He was the senior news editor at the Daily Princetonian, and his thesis allowed him to combine his interests in journalism and politics. Titled "The Morning After: Press Coverage of Presidential Primaries, 1972-1984.", the thesis focused on the rise of the modern primary system and how press coverage has shaped the public's understanding of winners and losers, as well as the importance of certain primaries.
CL's research remains relevant, even with the evolution of the media landscape. He advises students writing their theses to find a topic they genuinely love, find an adviser who is interested in guiding their research, and start their research early.
CL's career blends elements of his Princeton experience, academic research, and public service. He worked for then-Senator Obama during his pursuit of the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008, marking a significant step in his political journey.
Princeton's Public and International Affairs school (SPIA) fosters expansive career trajectories in policy, politics, and media sectors worldwide. Many Asian American alumni contribute to these fields through government, international institutions, think tanks, fellowships, and media-related roles. Alumni networks and fellowships provide pathways and support for such career development.
CL's work serves as a testament to the impact Asian American alumni can have in the realm of public policy and journalism. He has helped to blaze a path for other Asian Americans in the field, demonstrating that with dedication and passion, one can achieve great things.
Despite the change in presidential administration, CL's experiences and lessons are just as relevant today. His journey serves as an inspiration for current students and alumni, reminding us all that our education and experiences can shape our future and the world around us.
[1] Princeton SPIA alumni in Asia-Pacific regions [2] Princeton SPIA alumni in government and international organizations [3] Princeton in Asia fellowships [4] Council on Foreign Relations fellowships and career opportunities [5] Princeton's Asian American alumni network
- Pursuing independent work, such as undergraduate research or a senior thesis, can greatly influence a student's career in the fields of policy, politics, and media, as shown by CL's journey, who combined his interests in journalism and politics through his thesis titled "The Morning After: Press Coverage of Presidential Primaries, 1972-1984."
- Lifelong learning and education, including online courses, are essential for personal development and career advancement. Alumni networks like Princeton's Asian American network and fellowships, such as Princeton in Asia and Council on Foreign Relations, offer support and pathways for career development in various sectors worldwide.
- Investing in education and self-development through undergraduate research and thesis projects can have long-lasting impacts on one's professional life, as demonstrated by CL's significant contributions in the Obama administration and his role in shaping the 2020 presidential election.
