Jenny Mai Phan, PhD
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drjmphan.bsky.social
Jenny Mai Phan, PhD
@drjmphan.bsky.social
1.9K followers 1.4K following 210 posts
research assist. prof. of bioengineering | research on adolescence, autism, & dev psych | assist. director of community engagement | Âû | 1stGen | views entirely mine
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drjmphan.bsky.social
Let’s talk about physical health in autism—beyond the stereotypes. Join me + other amazing researchers for an AIR-P webinar on July 15 (2PM PT / 5PM ET) to bust myths on:

* GI issues
* Obesity
* Stress & Hormones
* Cervical cancer
* Reproductive health

Register: uclahs.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Flyer for an AIR-P webinar titled “Autism & Physical Health: Debunking Common Misconceptions” scheduled for Tuesday, July 15th at 2 PM PT / 5 PM ET. The flyer lists five speakers with headshots and affiliations: Alice Kuo, MD, MBA, PhD – Professor and Chief at UCLA Medicine–Pediatrics and Preventive Medicine, Principal Investigator of AIR-P. Calliope Holingue, PhD – Assistant Professor, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Center for Autism Services, Science, and Innovation (CASSI™), Department of Mental Health. Heather Brown, PhD – Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Alberta. Emily Coombs, MSc, PhD student – University of Alberta. Jenny Mai Phan, PhD – Research Assistant Professor, George Mason University. The right side of the flyer lists webinar topics: obesity gastrointestinal issues sexual and reproductive health cervical cancer hormones & stress At the bottom right, there is a QR code labeled "Scan Me" under the header “Register Now!”
July 11, 2025 at 10:13 PM
drjmphan.bsky.social
My first #INSAR2025 ✅. There were so many great #autism presentations & meetings. I got to sit beside the amazing TC Waisman, Kristen Gillespie-Lynch and Shoba Meera on a panel for student and trainees talking about participatory research. Then, I co-presented w/ Samantha Harker on #HEARD.
HEARD (Healthy Engagement in Autism Research Dialogue): A poster presentation on an initiative to bridge dialogues on important science topics in autism research, including genetics, animal models, and cell lines. Membership spans multiple countries and representations of self-advocates, family members, scientists, scholars, policy makers, etc. Jenny Phan, a Southeastern Asian American autistic woman and scientist is standing in front of the poster smiling.
May 3, 2025 at 7:02 PM
drjmphan.bsky.social
The HHS Secretary made big statements about autism today—& missed the mark. He needs our data. Our stories. It’s #AutismAcceptanceMonth. Not Awareness. We’re not going back. Share how autistic people—yourself and/or your kids, students, clients—are showing up & contributing. #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr during a press conference at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC, 16 April 2025. WILL OLIVER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Link to story: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/rfk-jr-says-hhs-will-research-six-environmental-factors-for-potential-link-to-autism/ar-AA1D3D03
April 17, 2025 at 12:14 AM
drjmphan.bsky.social
We ended @gatlinburg.bsky.social with more fun and fellowship with Children's National Hospital Center for Autism crew in front of sunset San Diego, CA. #IDDRC #IDDResearch #Autism #AutismResearch #Conference #Pediatrics
Seven women sitting at a restaurant eating and drinking in front of a sunset.
April 11, 2025 at 10:52 PM
drjmphan.bsky.social
Just wrapped up presenting a poster at the @gatlinburg.bsky.social! We reviewed what we know & don’t know about puberty in youth w/ neurodevelopmental disabilities. Much of puberty research leaves out ND youth. We need more inclusive studies, especially on ND-specific mechanisms.
Jenny Phan is standing in front of her poster, presenting her research on puberty in neurodevelopmental disability populations.
April 9, 2025 at 5:45 AM
drjmphan.bsky.social
To all the civil servants who were unjustly fired from federal jobs, you didn't deserve this. We thank you for your service to this country and the world. We are a less safe nation today without you. May you find work where you will be appreciated for your talents, skills, and expertise.
Former HHS Agency Heads Highlight the Critical Role of HHS Staff In Securing America’s Health and Well-being and Economic Strength We are honored to have worked with dedicated and skilled public servants who have been leading the fight for a healthier America at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Trump Administration now has begun arbitrarily removing HHS staff from their positions, leaving no doubt that the health and well-being of families and communities across the country will suffer as a result. The work of the members of the HHS team is not just important to the health of this country, it is also vital to the economic security of our nation. These are the dedicated public servants who have been: making sure your food and water are safe; running the health insurance programs that cover nearly half of all Americans; making sure hospitals, dialysis centers and nursing homes provide quality care; finding cures and treatments for diseases like pediatric cancer; standing up the 988 Suicide and Crisis lifeline and other mental health services; combatting the overdose and fentanyl crisis; getting primary care to rural communities; providing support for new moms and babies; ensuring families have access to affordable high-quality child care; ensuring that new drugs and devices are safe and effective; detecting and responding to infectious disease threats in communities around the country; serving survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and children in foster care; and so much more. These individuals are not numbers on a spreadsheet. They are dedicated and passionate public servants who have committed their careers to working on behalf of the American people. We owe them a debt of gratitude, not a pink slip. Signed by: Dr. Monica Bertagnolli (NIH) Chiquita Brooks-LaSure (CMS) Dr. Robert Califf (FDA) Dr. Mandy Cohen (CDC) January Contreras (ACF) Dr. Miriam Delphin-Rittmon (SAMHSA) Carole Johnson (HRSA) Dawn O’Connell (ASPR)
February 18, 2025 at 5:35 PM
drjmphan.bsky.social
For 20 yrs, I have fought for our children's rights & am exhausted. Our disabled children don't deserve this. If these bills pass into law, our children will grow up in the same old world that institutionalized disabled people. Please call your Repub reps. (images cred: IG worldsokayestschoolpsych)
Posted on IG by worldsokayestschoolpsych: I never thought I’d live to see the day when politicians and policymakers would openly describe children with disabilities as a burden. But here we are in 2025, and they’re not even trying to hide it. Just for example: Texas House Bill 2168 proposes a study to identify which parts of federal special education law place an “unreasonable burden” on the state and school districts. Texas v. Becerra, a lawsuit from 17 states, argues that disability protections like Section 504 create burdens on states—implying that enforcing civil rights is too much effort. Project 2025, a policy blueprint endorsed by conservatives, calls federal education protections a “regulatory burden” that outweighs their cost—essentially saying schools should be freed from having to comply. Posted on IG by worldsokayestschoolpsych: This isn’t just some one-off bad take. This is a pattern. This is an agenda. The idea that disabled children are burdens to schools, to budgets, to society—that’s what they’re pushing. They’re laying the groundwork to undo everything that made education more inclusive and accessible. And I take this personally. Because I am a School Psychologist. And I’ll be damned if I sit back and let these people devalue my son and my students. Children with disabilities don’t hold us back—they make us better. The real burden? The politicians, donors, and lobbyists who think these kids are disposable. The ones who see inclusion as an inconvenience. The ones actively trying to erase decades of progress. They are scum. They are the burden. They are the problem. And if they have their way, the world will be a worse, crueler, emptier place. But we’re not going to let them win.
February 16, 2025 at 9:47 PM
drjmphan.bsky.social
This is the list of senators who voted to confirm RFK Jr. as head of HHS. If you are dissatisfied by their vote, call them today to express your dissatisfaction. They work for you.

Download the 5 Calls app. It has your senator’s number to call and scripts you can use.
HOW DID YOUR SENATOR VOTE? YES VOTES: Banks (R-IN), Barrasso (R-WY), Blackburn (R-TN), Boozman (R-AR), Britt (R-AL), Budd (R-NC), Capito (R-WV), Cassidy (R-LA), Collins (R-ME), Cornyn (R-TX), Cotton (R-AR), Cramer (R-ND), Crapo (R-ID), Cruz (R-TX), Curtis (R-UT), Daines (R-MT), Ernst (R-IA), Fischer (R-NE), Graham (R-SC), Grassley (R-IA), Hagerty (R-TN), Hawley (R-MO), Hoeven (R-ND), Husted (R-OH), Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Johnson (R-WI), Justice (R-WV), Kennedy (R-LA), Lankford (R-OK), Lee (R-UT), Lummis (R-WY), Marshall (R-KS), McCormick (R-PA), Moody (R-FL), Moran (R-KS), Moreno (R-OH), Mullin (R-OK), Murkowski (R-AK), Paul (R-KY), Ricketts (R-NE), Risch (R-ID), Rounds (R-SD), Schmitt (R-MO), Scott (R-FL), Scott (R-SC), Sheehy (R-MT), Sullivan (R-AK), Thune (R-SD), Tillis (R-NC), Tuberville (R-AL), Wicker (R-MS), Young (R-IN).
February 14, 2025 at 3:33 PM
drjmphan.bsky.social
We came together and told them that this is a failed leadership. We, the people, have real power. We're going to keep the pressure.

#50501 #buildtheresistance
r/50501 (reddit)
Image of protests in all 50 states. It reads: "This is what hope looks like: 50 states, 50 capitols, 1 protest. Real photos of real protests from #50501 Feb 05 2025. Posted in r/50501."
February 6, 2025 at 2:43 PM
drjmphan.bsky.social
Mainstream media is hardly (or not at all) reporting on protests that are happening all over the country and the world. If this info isn't making it to your feed, you'd have to search for it and follow/subscribe to see it. There's an en masse protest tomorrow at all state capitals.
D. A. R. E to oppose and defend democracy 50 states 50 protests 1 day 2/5/2025 r/50501
February 4, 2025 at 6:34 PM
drjmphan.bsky.social
I made more educational cards refuting the illegal & immoral executive orders: Counter arguments against EO 14168 on gender discrimination (a thread 3/3).
See my other earlier posts counter arguing against EO 14151 dismantling DEI initiatives. Share them with students and peers.
Gender Identity as a Recognized Scientific Concept The American Psychological Association and the World Health Organization recognize gender identity as a fundamental aspect of human diversity. Source: APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People Source: World Health Organization (2019). ICD-11: Gender incongruence.
February 4, 2025 at 12:52 AM
drjmphan.bsky.social
I made more educational cards refuting the illegal & immoral executive orders: Counter arguments against EO 14168 on gender discrimination (a thread 2/3).
See my other earlier posts counter arguing against EO 14151 dismantling DEI initiatives. Share them with students and peers.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Provides protections that can be applicable for transgender individuals, especially those who experience gender dysphoria, as recognized in some court rulings. To be clear, gender identity is not a disability. Scientific Evidence That Counters the EO Biological Complexity of Sex and Gender Biological sex is not strictly binary. Intersex conditions (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome, Turner syndrome, androgen insensitivity syndrome) illustrate natural biological diversity beyond "male" and "female." Source: Fausto-Sterling, A. (2000). Sexing the Body: Gender Politics and the Construction of Sexuality. Source: Polderman, T.J.C. et al. (2018). The biological contributions to gender identity and gender diversity: Bringing data to the table. Behavior Genetics, 48(2), 95–108. Mental Health Impact of Gender-Affirming Recognition Studies show that access to gender-affirming environments and care significantly improves mental health outcomes for transgender individuals, reducing depression, anxiety, and suicide risk. Source: Olson, K.R., Durwood, L., DeMeules, M., & McLaughlin, K.A. (2016). Mental health of transgender children who are supported in their identities. Pediatrics, 137(3), e20153223.
February 4, 2025 at 12:52 AM
drjmphan.bsky.social
I made more educational cards refuting the illegal & immoral executive orders: Counter arguments against EO 14168 on gender discrimination (a thread 1/3).
See my other earlier posts counter arguing against EO 14151 dismantling DEI initiatives. Share them with students and peers.
Counter-Resources for the Executive Order 14168: "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government" Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Bostock v. Clayton County (2020): The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation is a form of sex discrimination under Title VII. Source: Supreme Court Decision - Bostock v. Clayton County (2020) Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972: Prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Interpretations post-Bostock recognize protections for transgender and non-binary individuals. Source: Department of Education Title IX Guidance Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment: Ensures all individuals are granted equal protection under the law, serving as the basis for many civil rights protections, including those for transgender individuals. Source: Legal Information Institute - Equal Protection Clause
February 4, 2025 at 12:52 AM
drjmphan.bsky.social
What university leaders can do to support faculty, students, and staff: Educational cards Part 2 (a thread)
Continue DEI Work Within Legal Frameworks: Focus on compliance with existing federal and state anti-discrimination laws. Embed DEI principles within broader educational goals like student success, wellness, and belonging. Continue DEI Work Within Legal Frameworks: Use language tied to legal compliance, such as "equity in access," "inclusive excellence," or "student success initiatives." Highlight how these efforts support accreditation requirements and student outcomes Continue DEI Work Within Legal Frameworks: Provide guidance on First Amendment protections for academic discussions about DEI topics. Ensure faculty know they can teach and research freely within constitutional bounds.
February 3, 2025 at 7:09 PM
drjmphan.bsky.social
What university leaders can do to support faculty, students, and staff: Educational cards Part 1 (a thread)
Framing Conversations with Students, Faculty, and Staff Reaffirming Institutional Values: "Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is rooted in the core values of academic freedom, equity, and human dignity, which predate and transcend any single executive action." Reference: University mission statements, state-level protections, and accreditation standards that emphasize diversity and inclusion. Legal Foundations for DEI Work: "Many DEI initiatives are grounded in federal and state civil rights laws, such as Title VI, Title VII, the ADA, and the Rehabilitation Act, which continue to mandate non-discriminatory practices in education and employment." Source: EEOC Protecting Academic Freedom: "Universities are places of learning and exploration, and academic freedom protects the right to engage with diverse perspectives, including discussions about race, equity, and justice." Source: American Association of University Professors (AAUP) - Academic Freedom
February 3, 2025 at 7:01 PM
drjmphan.bsky.social
Know our rights. Educational cards Part 2 (a thread)
State Laws: Many states have their own civil rights protections that go beyond federal laws, safeguarding DEI initiatives at public institutions.
February 3, 2025 at 6:53 PM
drjmphan.bsky.social
Know our rights. Educational cards Part 2 (a thread)
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, education, transportation, and public accommodations. Source: https://www.ada.gov/ Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Source: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/ocr/civilrights/resources/factsheets/504.pdf Higher Education Act of 1965 (Amended): Encourages diversity and inclusion in higher education through various programs and grants. Source: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/COMPS-765/pdf/COMPS-765.pdf First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution: Protects freedom of speech and association, which can include diversity-related programming, academic freedom, and discussions around DEI topics within educational settings. Source: https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/
February 3, 2025 at 6:53 PM
drjmphan.bsky.social
Know our rights. Educational cards Part 1 (a thread because Bluesky limits number of picture attachments to just 4 per post)...
Why the Executive Office of the President 2025 Executive orders (EO) violate existing laws? EO 14151: Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/29/2025-01953/ending-radical-and-wasteful-government-dei-programs-and-preferencing Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI and Title VII): Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Source: https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/title-vii-civil-rights-act-1964 Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Laws: Enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), these laws protect against workplace discrimination, including related to hiring, training, and promotion practices. Source: https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/discrimination
February 3, 2025 at 6:53 PM
drjmphan.bsky.social
More action to take: www.impeachtrumpagain.org?nvep=&hmac=&... There's a running list of all the unlawful, illegal orders of this administration.
Impeach Trump Again. Sign the petition.
February 1, 2025 at 12:58 PM
drjmphan.bsky.social
Don't know what to do? Write to your representatives. Flood their offices with letters, emails, and phone calls. An example letter is included.

Find your rep at www.congress.gov/members/find...
Dear [Representative/Senator], As your constituent and a voter who entrusted you with the responsibility to represent our community’s values and rights, I am writing to express my deep concern regarding recent executive orders aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives across federal agencies. These actions are not only regressive but also in clear violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI and Title VII), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which govern and protect all facets of government operations against discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and other protected characteristics. The principles of DEIA are foundational to a just and equitable society, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, has equal access to opportunities and protections under the law. The executive orders in question undermine these principles, threaten the progress we have made as a nation, and violate legal frameworks established to prevent discrimination. I urge you, as my elected representative, to take decisive action. This is not a partisan issue; it is a moral and legal imperative. Democrats must work diligently and strategically with their Republican colleagues to resist and counter these unlawful, unethical, and immoral directives. The evidence is overwhelming—federal orders disseminated through emails, press releases, and government websites clearly demonstrate directives that contravene established anti-discrimination laws. Now is the time for bold, united opposition to this encroachment on civil rights. I call on you to advocate fiercely, propose legislative measures where necessary, and hold accountable those who seek to erode the protections that define our democracy. Your leadership and commitment are critical in this fight. Our nation’s integrity and the well-being of countless communities depend on it.
February 1, 2025 at 4:56 AM
drjmphan.bsky.social
📢 Join us on Dec. 2 for Engagement and Access, a free seminar on accessibility in research featuring Tim Fuchs (ECNV). Learn about inclusive research, universal design, and equitable compensation.
🕛 12–1 PM ET | Virtual
🔗 Register: forms.office.com/r/AaaVBHg9UX
*Details in flyer and alt-text.
Flyer for the Center for Advancing Systems Science & Bioengineering Innovation (CASSBI) Limited Seminar Series, focusing on the Research Collaborative on Youth with Disabilities. The event details include the title 'Engagement and Access: How authenticity and accessibility can lead to meaningful engagement in the research arena,' featuring Tim Fuchs, Deputy Executive Director of the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia (ECNV). The event takes place on Monday, December 2, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Eastern Time as a Zoom webinar. The flyer includes a professional photo of Tim Fuchs and details about his extensive experience in disability advocacy, his neurodivergence (ADHD and Anxiety), and his passion for cross-disability advocacy. Key topics include participatory action research, universal accessibility, plain language communication, and equitable compensation for research participants. A registration QR code and sponsor logo for George Mason University are included.
November 27, 2024 at 5:24 PM
drjmphan.bsky.social
The Center for Advancing Systems Science and Bioengineering Innovation (CASSBI) is excited to have Otto Lana join our limited seminar series research collaborative on youth with disabilities. Details are in the flyer and alt-text.
Registration is free: forms.office.com/r/yfkwYfnMPD.

Please share!
Flyer for a limited seminar series titled Research Collaborative on Youth with Physical Disabilities. Event Details: Date: Monday, November 25, 2024 Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Eastern Time Location: Virtual (Zoom webinar) Website: https://www.cassbi.gmu.edu Password: 89kf0nHide Topic: You Only Have One Life to Live, Make Sure It Is Authentically Yours: Musing from A Multi-Modality Communicator Description: Otto Lana, a baller, scholar, and Youth Ambassador for the Center on Youth Voice Youth Choice, will share his tips on living an interdependent life with a supportive network. Topics include health care, finance, and education/employment, emphasizing the importance of communication rights and personal freedom. Featured Speaker: Otto Lana, a college freshman from San Diego, is an award-winning poet, writer, advocate, and entrepreneur. He is a champion for communication rights, AAC user, speaker, and founder of Mod Squad 4 Access. Otto's accolades include the Heumann-Armstrong Award and the Harry Servidio Memorial Leadership Award. He recently published The ABCs of Communication: Always Be Communicating in Frontline Initiative, advocating for disability inclusion. Additional Information: The seminar is free to attend and will explore participatory action research and community-based participatory research approaches. How to Register: Use the QR code on the flyer or follow this Registration Form Link. Sponsor: The event is sponsored by George Mason University (logo included). A professional headshot of Otto Lana, a smiling young man wearing a black suit and tie, is included on the flyer.
November 20, 2024 at 4:49 PM
drjmphan.bsky.social
It's time. Spoiler alert: I hit "OK."
An image of a user uninstalling the X app off their phone.
November 17, 2024 at 6:23 PM
drjmphan.bsky.social
Hi new Bluesky friends, I wanted to reintroduce myself and welcome new Bluesky members to the app. Please drop a hello and your introduction in the comments.
The image introduces Jenny Mai Phan, PhD, an Asian American woman with curly brown hair smiling, is a developmental scientist who specializes in puberty, hormones and autism research. Jenny also serves as a disability and neurodiversity advocate. She also has on the image a statement. Thank you for the follow. Her website is listed at www.jennymaiphan.com.
November 10, 2024 at 12:36 AM
drjmphan.bsky.social
I wanted our unsung heroes to know that I see YOU. I support YOU--that there many of us who do. I wrote this today as my form of processing because I cannot stop thinking about YOU.
The lost and ostracized: We have seen time and again that people find themselves at the crossroads of deeply held beliefs, religious conviction, tradition, pride, hate, and prejudice with situation(s) that make them question why they have stuck with those beliefs for as long as they have. Life happens. It's out of their control. They become lost and ostracized for the new changes happening in their life. They end up seeking support in the most unlikely places, places that they never would have sought help before life hit them differently. It is the same places that they once slandered, promoted defunding, and voted against where they are now standing at the doors, asking for help, for support, because they've been turned away from those who once aligned with their historical beliefs. Those places are dwindling in funds and in direct support, limiting capacity to take on new cases. Those places cannot help these people. You know, people who now need their service. People who slandered and voted to defund these services. Services that existed for people like them, so that when they find themselves in a situation, they might one day need those services. The unsung heroes: Those places are still doing the work. Their caseloads are beyond manageable, but they do not stop doing the work. People providing those services do not have the will to turn people away who need their support. That is why they entered this work in the first place. They have seen and heard all the hate, and yet, they persevere—our unsung heroes. They still serve. They still love, despite the persecution. The violence never came from those places. Violence almost always came from the people who slandered, persecuted, and voted to defund those places. Yet, those workers still show up to do the work. It is like those workers see the community's worth, even though there are those who do not. The world is still turning because these places are still running, hanging on.
November 7, 2024 at 2:55 PM