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Fan Named Outstanding Graduate Student Teacher

The award recognizes excellence in graduate student teaching.

May 24, 2024 Academics

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Rong Fan
Rong Fan

The School of Public Health and Health Sciences (SPHHS) is pleased to announce that Rong Fan, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Nutrition, has been selected as the recipient of the 2023-2024 SPHHS Outstanding Graduate Student Teacher Award. The award recognizes excellence in graduate student teaching.

The selection committee noted Fan's ability to teach a 460-student lecture and lead nine teaching assistants while also upholding her academics as a student was exemplary. Students continuously noted her ability to go the extra mile and her compassion for students’ wellbeing and learning experience. One nominator said Fan's teaching style “fostered an inclusive and collaborative learning environment, contributing significantly to the positive classroom dynamics.” Another nominator noted her ability to ensure every student feels heard and valued. One wrote, “When [Rong] leaves UMass, she will leave a legacy of an improved Nutrition 130 behind!”

“I am thrilled and deeply honored to have received this award,” says Fan. “It means so much to me as it acknowledges my dedication to teaching. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to teach and for my wonderful students. This award inspires me to continue improving and to find new and exciting ways to make learning both enjoyable and inspiring.”

Over the past year, Fan served as an instructor for Nutrition 130: Nutrition/Healthy Lifestyle in the fall semester and as the course’s head teaching assistant in the spring, working closely with Senior Lecturer II Claire Norton.

“I believe that education should empower individuals with essential tools for success in all aspects of life,” says Fan. “In my class, I create a welcoming environment where we can freely exchange ideas, helping each other grow and apply what we learn to real-world situations. I strive to create a caring and understanding space where students are supported and valued, recognizing that everyone learns differently. This approach not only promotes learning but also makes it a shared experience.”

She notes that her goal is to make learning engaging and inclusive, sparking curiosity and encouraging students to explore new ideas. 

“I'm committed to helping every student feel supported and valued, equipping them with the necessary skills to excel academically and reach their highest potential,” she adds. “I also hope my students learn not just the fundamentals of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle but also develop a lifelong interest in nutrition and apply this knowledge in their own lives and make broader impacts in communities.”

Award or honor posted in Academics for Faculty , Staff , and Current students

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