Mary Sue Bissell is President of the US-Asia Institute (USAI), a position she has held since September 2018. She came to USAI at its founding, working with co-founders Esther G. Kee and Joji Konoshima as Director of Programs and Publications and Director of Administration from 1979-84. Ms. Bissell returned to USAI in 1987, serving as Executive Director until 1990. She returned for a 3rd time in December 2001 as Trustee, Vice President & Executive Director. While at USAI, Ms. Bissell has sought to build understanding and strengthen relations between the United States and Asia through organizing high-level conferences and policy dialogues, managing people-to-people exchange programs including Congressional Member and staff delegations to various Asian countries, and connecting political, business, government, academic and emerging leaders.

She also served as USAI’s Secretariat administrator for the US-Japan Conference on Cultural and Educational Interchange (CULCON) for 2.5 years. Ms. Bissell has over 40 years of experience. In addition to her work at USAI, she has managed the nation’s largest in-school educational touring program, directed marketing for a top 10 aquarium, led public relations efforts for US Army assets across Hawaii, and managed the administrative and logistical facets of a major Pacific Rim telecommunications membership organization, where she organized the programmatic aspects of the first ever three-node teleconference connecting Washington DC – Honolulu – Hong Kong. She has received numerous local, state and national awards and recognition for writing, public speaking and community service.

Ms. Bissell is a graduate of the University of South Dakota. She is married with two daughters.

Anna Bunn is the Director of Programs and Communications at the US-Asia Institute. She first joined USAI in 2022 as a Program Assistant. In 2024, she received her MLitt in International Security Studies from the University of St Andrews, Scotland. She also completed her undergraduate studies in International Relations at St Andrews. While at university she competed on the women's tennis team and was an active member of the Japan and Foreign Affairs societies. Originally from Hawaii, Anna enjoys all things outdoors. In her free time, she can be found hiking, playing tennis, or learning new instruments and languages. 

Elsbeth Purdy is Executive Assistant at the US-Asia Institute. She received a Bachelor of Arts from Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, and Master of Library and Information Sciences from Catholic University of America, Washington DC. She has supported USAI as a volunteer while being employed by the DC Public Library system for the past 15 years. At the library she developed and conducted engaging library programs and events for diverse age groups. She also collaborated with colleagues on scheduling, planning events, and strategic design of future library operations. In her free time she enjoys cooking, reading, and travel. 

Nate Conrad graduated magna cum laude from Brown University in 2019 with a degree in East Asian Studies with honors. While at Brown, he organized campus-wide forums and discussions on issues pertaining to China through Let’s Talk China, a club he co-founded and later ran as its president. He has done research on such topics as future energy developments, IoT and 5G technology, the One Belt One Road Initiative, and Chinese political media, and wrote his senior thesis on the challenges of intercultural contact between Chinese and foreign university students. In his spare time he is also a coach for the crew team at his alma mater, T.C. Williams High School.

Jie Xin Ching (pronounced: jay-shin) is a member of the Class of 2026 in the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. She is majoring in International Politics, focusing on Foreign Policy, and pursuing an Asian Studies certificate. She is an international student born and raised in Singapore, though she also has Malaysian citizenship. At Georgetown University, Jie Xin currently serves as the Executive Director of the 62nd North American Invitational Model UN Nations. Before this role, Jie Xin was Deputy Director for the Advocacy and Service sub-board of the Georgetown International Relations Club, raising on-campus awareness of issues such as menstrual inequity and food inequality. Outside of Georgetown, Jie Xin has worked as a summer assistant teacher in Singapore, helping to teach fourth and fifth graders. Through USAI, Jie Xin is excited to expand her knowledge of US-Asia interactions and is especially eager to research and advocate for issues within the Southeast Asian region.

James Bole is a third year at the American University School of International Service, where he specializes in global development in East Asia. In college, James is a member of the American University Model UN team and helps run AMERIMUNC, a High School Model UN Conference. Outside of school, he has interned for the Office of Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and the US State Department’s Education USA Program. He is excited to learn more about program organizing and contributing to USAI this spring!

Natalie Horton is a junior at the University of Maryland studying Chinese Language and Government and Politics with a concentration in International Relations and a minor in International Development and Conflict Management. She is also pursuing a certificate in East Asian Studies. Natalie has previously interned for two summers with the Department of Defense as a Multi-discipline Chinese Language Analyst. Aside from her studies, she competes on the figure skating team at the University of Maryland. This past summer, Natalie received the Hua Yu scholarship to study Chinese intensively for two months in Taipei, Taiwan. Through USAI, Natalie is excited to research and take part in expanding understanding and knowledge regarding US-Asia Affairs. 

Jena Musmar recently graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor's degree in International Politics. After studying abroad at Thailand's Thammasat University and working in Middle Eastern political affairs, Jena has shifted her research to examining South-east Asian hegemony and the role Asian criminal justice systems serve in upholding foreign policy objectives. Taking on this internship just before she becomes a JD candidate, Jena hopes to use the knowledge learned at USAI to accompany her pursuit of International Law!

Lara Victor is currently a junior at the University of Notre Dame, studying Economics and Chinese. As an intern at the U.S. Asia Institute, Lara is gaining hands-on experience as a Program Assistant, supporting full-time staff in assisting with event coordination, conducting research for briefings, and contributing to the organization of galas, receptions, and annual programs. With a strong interest in fostering international cooperation and understanding, Lara is particularly passionate about the intersection of economics and China’s global role. Outside of her academic and internship work, Lara enjoys volunteering, spending time with friends, and serving as a coxswain for the university’s rowing team, where she leads and motivates her teammates during practices and races.

Patrick Wilson is a recent graduate of the University of Vermont with a degree in Economics and Mathematics. During his studies, he honed his analytical skills through coursework in econometrics, economic forecasting, and the application of data for economic policy. He is interested in examining how rapid advancements in digital innovation influence trade dynamics among East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the United States, specifically focusing on their impacts on economic policies and supply chain integration. Patrick enjoys the outdoors, highlighted by his completion of the Colorado Trail this past summer. He is excited to work as a program assistant for the USAI, hoping he can bring his analytical expertise and his organization skills to make a meaningful impact!