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Houston-raised political scientist Hahrie Han receives MacArthur Genius Grant | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 17:54 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Houston‑raised Political Scientist Hahrie Han Receives MacArthur Genius Grant

Houston, TX – On October 23, 2025, the Houston Public Media community celebrated the remarkable achievements of Dr. Hahrie Han, a political science scholar born and raised in Houston who has now earned one of the world’s most prestigious honors: the MacArthur Foundation Genius Grant. The award, which carries a $625,000 stipend paid over five years with no strings attached, recognizes Han’s groundbreaking work on immigration, race, and political mobilization in the United States, and underscores the growing importance of her research in shaping public policy and academic discourse.

A Houston Roots Story

Born in the Fifth Ward of Houston, Han’s early life was shaped by the city’s diverse cultural tapestry and the complex politics of a border state. “Growing up in Houston made me aware of the intersections of race, class, and migration long before I entered university,” she told the Houston Public Media team. After completing her undergraduate degree in political science at the University of Texas at Austin, Han pursued a Ph.D. at the same institution, focusing on the politics of undocumented immigrants in Texas.

Han’s research trajectory has followed a clear arc: from analyzing the policy responses to the 2017 Texas Senate Bill 4, which restricted undocumented immigrants’ access to public services, to studying the political mobilization of marginalized communities across the Southwest. Her 2018 dissertation, “The Politics of Identity: Race, Immigration, and Public Policy in Texas,” became a foundational text for scholars and policymakers alike.

Research that Resonates

Central to Han’s scholarship is the concept of “intersectional politics.” By examining how race, gender, and migration status intertwine, she has illuminated the nuanced ways in which political power is distributed and contested. A 2021 study co‑authored with fellow scholars found that undocumented immigrant communities are not passive recipients of policy but active participants in civic engagement, challenging long‑standing narratives of invisibility. Han’s work on “civic space” – the environments where citizens can participate in democratic processes – has been cited by the U.S. Congress during hearings on immigration reform.

In addition to her empirical research, Han has contributed to public understanding through op‑eds, public lectures, and media appearances. Her 2023 feature in the Houston Chronicle dissected the cultural backlash to sanctuary city policies, while her TED Talk on “The Politics of Inclusion” drew a global audience.

The MacArthur Recognition

The MacArthur Foundation’s annual announcement of its Fellows announced Han as the 2025 recipient in the Social Sciences and Humanities category. The foundation noted that Han’s “innovative scholarship and dedication to community‑engaged research make her a standout scholar whose work will continue to influence both academia and public policy.” The grant is a testament to her pioneering approach to political science, particularly her focus on “people’s politics” – the everyday political practices of marginalized populations.

The Foundation’s website, which Han was linked to during the award announcement, highlights its commitment to “investing in individuals who have shown exceptional creativity, insight, and a willingness to take bold risks.” Han’s acceptance statement on the foundation’s platform emphasized the importance of translating academic research into tangible policy change. “The grant is not just an acknowledgment of past work; it is a catalyst for future projects that directly involve the communities I study,” she said.

Future Directions

With the MacArthur grant’s resources, Han plans to expand her research network across the U.S. and Latin America. A proposed project will examine the political integration of undocumented immigrants in four U.S. states with differing policy climates. Additionally, Han intends to launch a digital platform that will provide policy briefs and datasets to both scholars and community organizers, thereby bridging the gap between research and action.

Han also announced a forthcoming book, “Politics Beyond the Border: Racialized Citizenship in a Globalized America,” slated for release in 2026. The manuscript promises to weave her empirical findings with broader theoretical frameworks on citizenship, belonging, and democracy.

Community Impact

Beyond academia, Han’s work has directly informed community advocacy in Houston. Local immigrant rights groups have cited her research to strengthen arguments against restrictive state laws. In an interview with Houston Public Media, Han remarked, “My hometown has always been a place where change is possible. I hope my work can contribute to that possibility by providing evidence that fuels policy reform.”

The award has also spurred dialogue within the University of Texas at Austin, where Han is a faculty member. The university has announced a partnership with the MacArthur Foundation to host a series of public seminars featuring leading scholars in migration studies and intersectional politics. These events aim to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and increase public engagement with contemporary political challenges.

A Legacy in the Making

Hahrie Han’s journey from the streets of Houston to a MacArthur Genius Grant recipient exemplifies the power of localized experience in informing national scholarship. Her research not only deepens our understanding of how marginalized communities navigate the political landscape but also offers actionable insights for policymakers seeking to craft inclusive and equitable legislation.

As the world grapples with complex issues of migration, race, and citizenship, scholars like Han provide the analytical tools necessary to move beyond binary narratives and toward a more nuanced, inclusive democracy. The Houston Public Media community celebrates this milestone, recognizing that Han’s work will resonate far beyond the campus gates, shaping conversations and policies across the United States and beyond.