Matthew Choi Taitano (he/him) was born and raised in Guam and is of native CHamoru and South Korean descent. He received his A.B. in English Literature and Certificates in African American Studies and Gender and Sexuality Studies from Princeton University (2020), as well as his M.A. in English Literature and Graduate Certificate in Digital Humanities from Northeastern University (2023). Currently, he is working toward a second M.A. degree—which is Higher & Postsecondary Education—at Columbia University, Teachers College (start: Fall 2025). His current research focuses on higher education, access, and student support—with specializations in first-generation, low-income (FGLI) and Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) student communities. Matthew is the recipient of numerous academic, leadership, and service awards, including but not limited to: HASTAC Scholars Fellowship (2023); Leadership Alliance Fellowship, Columbia University (2017); Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (2016); and Gates Millennium Scholarship (2014). His goal is to work in universities conducting research, teaching, and supporting students.