Getting to know Professor Fengdan (Sophena) Zhao, Ph. D
Published: October 24, 2023
Author: Minh Do
This 2023 Fall semester, Greenville University is excited to welcome new faculty member Fengdan (Sophena) Zhao, Assistant Professor of Chemistry.
GROWING UP IN CHINA
Fengdan grew up in the Hebei province of China which is three hours away from Beijing (the capital of China). She shared that: “China is renowned for its hospitality and cultural diversity with 56 ethnic groups. Local food is delicious, and there are many beautiful historical sites like the Great Wall or the Xi’an city which have served as the capital for several dynasties. It is definitely worth a trip to China!”
ZHAO’S EDUCATION BACKGROUND
Fengdan received her Bachelor's degree in Material Chemistry Science in China. Her desire to further her education brought her to the United States initially in 2016 for her Ph.D. studies in the photochemistry program at Bowling Green State University, Ohio. She focused her research on using EPR to study the molecular dynamics of Nano silicon compounds. To pursue her passion to be a science educator, she earned her Master of Science Education from the University of Illinois, Chicago, which equipped her with more pedagogical skills in teaching chemistry.
ZHAO’S PASSION FOR TEACHING
Fengdan’s passion for teaching stems from having an extremely patient and dedicated high school chemistry teacher of her own. During Fengdan’s time in China, she received her license to teach high school. Upon graduation, her desire to pursue teaching and motivating students to love science and protect the environment escalated. That is why she pursued further education, to impart her passion for science and to teach students to care for the environment.
Fengdan’s desire to impact students goes well beyond the classroom. She wants to be approachable to students; she welcomes students to come to her office and talk with her any time they want.
GETTING TO KNOW GU
Fengdan loves how peaceful and calm Greenville, Illinois is, and enjoys this community with its inspiring students and their willingness to learn. She has found GU to be really supportive to the new faculty, providing help where she needed it.
Fengdan also appreciates GU’s dedication to spiritual growth. “I am a Christian, so I really appreciate how GU has helped me get closer to God during my time of teaching here.” One of GU’s small groups - Around the DEW is led by Fengdan and Mark Nguyen (a GU junior) with the goal to become a secure place for international and domestic students to share their diverse cultures and religions. Discussion topics are different each week and cover both students’ perspectives and the Bible’s approach. Around the DEW takes place on Friday at 6 pm in the Experience Hub conference room.
GETTING INVOLVED WITH STUDENTS!
When Fengdan was a Master’s and Ph. D student, she joined badminton clubs at her respective universities. Badminton club was a great experience for Fengdan where found a community to get involved in. As most international students here at GU are not athletes, she wants to provide a chance for them to play a sport and to make new friends like she used to when she was in school. “I want to give them motivation to care about their health. I don’t want students after finishing homework to go play video games or watch TV shows. I want them to get involved on campus and gain meaningful connections.” Fengdan’s newly formed badminton club here at GU has regular practices every week on Wednesday from 6-8 pm, Friday from 4-6 pm, and Saturday from 10am-11pm at the Krum REC center.
WELCOME PROFESSOR ZHAO!
Greenville University is blessed to have Professor Fengdan Zhao on the faculty team and is extremely grateful for all the ways she has shown her commitment to GU students by wanting to be involved with them here on campus.
