Hui Fiona Sun: Multidisciplinary program aids research efforts
SOE doctoral student cites admissions process, research labs as positives
Education
- Ph.D. in Education, concentration in Urban Services Leadership, VCU School of Education
- Master of Business Administration, Missouri State University
- Bachelor of Arts in Economy and Trade, Fuzhou University, China
What inspired you to be an educator?
During 10 years of volunteering in charitable organizations and working at my church, I gradually formed a vision that I should equip myself with professional knowledge for society and my community. I want to help and teach others with life wisdom, professional knowledge, and Christ's love.
Why was VCU a good academic fit for you?
I really like the humanistic atmosphere of VCU. I believe that only a good academic atmosphere can help me achieve academic success. The faculty and staff I've met here are all sincere in their desire to support me.
What do you like most about your program/program experience?
What I like the most about my Urban Services Leadership program is its multidisciplinary application. After 16 years of working in enterprise management, my mode of thinking has shifted from micro-thinking to macro-strategy, from specific task-solving to multidimensional thinking. This approach provides me with powerful tools to carry out research. The degree of freedom in my program allows me to choose the courses I'm interested in, and to explore in depth my specific areas of concern, so as to make feasible suggestions or pursue initiatives for promoting the improvement of the community.
How does VCU SOE support you in your career goals?
With the kind help of every faculty member I meet, I deeply feel the inspiring culture of VCU, that is, diversity, equity and inclusiveness. There are several centers that interest me. The Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium, a center affiliated with SOE, cooperates with seven school divisions in the Richmond area to plan and conduct research (and disseminate research findings) that directly address the needs of schools and communities. In addition, the cooperation opportunities between the International Educational Studies Center and Chinese colleges and universities provides the opportunity to work and study with Chinese teachers and students in the fields of research, teaching, service and professional development.
Among research laboratories that appeal to me, the Family & Relational/Stress & Health Lab, created by Dr. Naomi Wheeler, conducts research pertaining to family and relational stress. Outside of SOE, the Identifying Organizational Containment Research Lab, established by Dr. Risha Berry, gives me a deeper understanding of the obstacles that the United States is facing on the road to seeking equity and justice, and how we can jointly promote the process of justice through our own voice.
Tell us about your admissions process experience.
The first meeting with the recruitment specialist was the best and most comfortable experience so far! To be honest, I didn't know at first whether I was suitable to come to the School of Education. With Dr. Jenna Lenhardt's patience, encouragement and professionalism, I took her as my real consultant, hoping she could solve my confusion in more than a one-hour meeting. She helped me analyze my strengths and expertise, and also gently pointed out my weaknesses. She explained the purpose of training in the Urban Services Leadership program in detail, the coherence points between this program and my strengths and experiences, and the connection between this program and my career goals and mission. She solved my confusion.
I suddenly felt that the road ahead was very clear, and immediately accepted this suggestion, then started the application and preparation of registration. Since that day, she has been open to answering my questions and eliminating my concerns at any time, making the application preparation process very smooth and timely. I have to admit that if I had missed that appointment, I would really have regretted it all my life, for missing such a good professional learning opportunity.