Dan He: From China to Ph.D. Success at Florida State University

For Dan He, who recently earned her Ph.D. in Instructional Technologies from FSU in May 2024, the doctoral journey has been marked by resilience, growth, and appreciation for FSU’s academic and cultural environment. Originally from China, her decision to study at FSU was driven by its academic excellence, affordability, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Dan chose FSU for its renowned Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies program housed in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. “The program is ranked among the top in the U.S., and the professors are renowned for their expertise,” she said. FSU’s affordable tuition, rich cultural diversity, and year-round sunny weather made it an even more appealing destination.

Her degree from FSU prepared her well and she was hired as a Learning and Development Facilitator in the Academic Success Center  (ASC) at the University of South Florida. In the ASC, her responsibilities include providing training to student tutors, designing and developing digital media learning resources, as well as supporting the operations of the online tutoring program. “My program at FSU has greatly helped me, as I use the knowledge and skills I gained every day in my role,” she said, grateful for how her education has shaped her future.

Before starting her Ph.D. program, Dan participated in the Center for Intensive English Studies (CIES) ACES-Summer Bridge program at FSU. “It turned out to be the best decision I’ve made,” she reflected. The seven-week program helped her improve her spoken English, familiarize herself with FSU resources, and build a social network. She even learned important life skills like writing professional emails. “This program greatly eased my transition to academic studies,” Dan added.

Dan was captivated by FSU’s campus, particularly Landis Green. “The lawn on Landis Green is enormous and refreshing,” she said, recalling her early days at FSU. She appreciated the initial support she received, especially through CIES, where she was introduced to key campus resources like the Leach Center and Strozier Library. 

Upon arriving in the U.S., Dan noticed several cultural differences, particularly in the teaching style. “There are many discussion-based activities, and class sizes are small,” she observed. Initially skeptical, Dan soon grew to appreciate this active learning approach, finding that it deepened her understanding of course materials. Navigating Tallahassee, a car-centric city, was also a challenge for someone used to robust public transportation systems.

Dan was impressed by the academic environment at FSU. She appreciated the smaller class sizes, which allowed for more interaction with professors and peers. She also admired the open dynamic between students and faculty, where professors encouraged critical thinking and were comfortable admitting when they didn’t know something.

Throughout her time at FSU, Dan attended several prestigious conferences, including the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) in Philadelphia, Las Vegas, and Orlando. “Attending academic conferences was an eye-opening experience,” she said, noting how they motivated her to continue contributing to research in higher education.

One standout memory for Dan was the support she received from her advisor, Dr. Vanessa Dennen, during the COVID-19 pandemic. “She made sure that we were safe, had enough food, and could get masks,” Dan recalled, expressing gratitude for Dr. Vanessa Dennen’s unwavering care during that difficult time.

Like many international students, Dan faced challenges with spoken English. However, she found support through various FSU programs that paired her with conversation partners and tutors. These opportunities helped her improve her language skills and confidence.

Dan balanced her academic workload with personal and social activities by participating in campus events like coffee hours and game nights. She also enjoyed working out at the Leach Center, which helped her maintain her physical well-being.

One of Dan’s favorite things about FSU was its campus beauty, especially during the spring and fall. She often enjoyed long walks and jogging around campus, appreciating the year-round flowers and natural scenery.

Dan emphasized the importance of finding a support system. “It can be lonely and difficult at times if we don’t have a group to reach out to for help,” she advised. She encouraged students to seek out communities and not hesitate to ask for assistance, as people are usually willing to help when asked.

Dan He’s journey at FSU reflects the transformative impact of education, cultural exchange, and community support, and she is well on her way to achieving her goal of making significant contributions to higher education.