Dr. Seok Wun (Shiila) Au Yong (she/they) is an Assistant Teaching Professor with a joint appointment in the Disability Studies Program and the Women's and Gender Studies Program at Georgetown University, beginning in Fall 2026. Their scholarship sits at the intersections of feminist disability studies, transnational feminism, queer theory, and critical refugee studies. Their work explores how disability, race, language, gender, and migration shape experiences of belonging and freedom, particularly in Southeast Asia. Their teaching is grounded in principles of disability justice, emphasizing personal, inclusive, and empowering learning environments that recognize students as knowledge producers and value multiple forms of participation and expression. Dr. Au Yong earned their Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations of Education and Certificate of Advanced Study in Women's and Gender Studies from Syracuse University. They also hold an MFA in Film as a Fulbright scholar.
Prior to their academic career, they worked as an underwater videographer, scuba diving instructor, and community filmmaker. These experiences continue to inform their commitment to storytelling as a tool for education, advocacy, and collective transformation. Outside of work, they enjoy biking and chasing sunsets with a camera in hand.
Academic Appointment(s)
- Primary
- Assistant Teaching Professor, College - Disability Studies