Rev. Aizaiah G. Yong, PhD is Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Pastoral Care, as well as the Academic Director of The Ignite Institute @PSR. As a “scholar of the everyday,” he seeks to bring cutting-edge academic insight and public scholarship to the world that stems from his belonging to faith communities and extensive leadership experience. His dissertation titled “Living in the Compassionate Presence of Life: Spirituality and Care for Multi/racial Experience(s)” aims to uncover pathways of healing and liberation for multiracial people at predominantly white institutions. His research stems from his own personal experience living at the intersections of race (he is Hakka Chinese and Chicano) and his work attempts to uncover alternative spiritualities and hidden wisdoms that strengthen and support those who travel between and across racialized worlds.

Shaped by growing up in a multiracial, immigrant family, he is committed to academic work that brings both clarity, compassion, and advocacy to issues of oppression. Aizaiah’s additional research interests include pastoral theology, spiritual care, critical race theory, intersectionality studies, mysticism and spirituality, intercultural dialogue and education, nonviolent social action, and contemplative leadership. Aizaiah is also a licensed Pentecostal Christian minister and loves to be in nature with his family, go on traveling adventures (local and abroad), try out new cuisine, and pursue experiences that deepen spirituality and intercultural community. He and his partner, Nereyda, have three children: Serenity Joy, Valor Amoz, and Río Joseph.