Mai Nguyen Do (Đỗ Nguyên Mai) is a Vietnamese writer, teacher, and political scientist from Southern California. Mai received their Ph.D. in political science from the University of California, Riverside.

Mai’s research focuses on identity, immigration, and inequality. Their dissertation utilizes archival research and participant observation to examine the effects of welfare programs, policing, and immigration enforcement on Southeast Asian refugees.

Drawing upon both their life and research experiences, Mai’s literary work often explores gaps left within the archive — spaces usually carved out not only by the mere passage of time, but also by the interests of the state — in hopes of outlining moments and people those in power try to render indistinct.

Mai is the author of Ghosts Still Walking (Platypus Press, 2016) and Battlefield Blooming (Sahtu Press, 2019).

They also teach as an adjunct professor at Mt. San Antonio College.