Note: this article was originally published in College of Engineering, Student Spotlights.

Third-year biomedical engineering student Tiffany Chan is dedicated to enhancing the educational experiences of her peers.

As a member of the Coalescing Undergraduate Biomedical Engineers' Educational Experience, or Cube³ Lab, Chan focuses on the impact of interactions between students and instructors on students' sense of belonging.

"I believe that, as engineers, we have a responsibility to not only build for the present but to also consider the long-term impact of our creations on the environment," she said.

Under the mentorship of Xianglong Wang, assistant professor of teaching in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Chan's project examines student-faculty interactions, the resulting sense of community and its impact on academic experience. Chan arranges frequent lunches to foster casual interactions between students and faculty members and quantifies the impact of these interactions through surveys and data analysis.

So far, the project has demonstrated positive outcomes, including an overall improvement in student belonging and a lasting positive impact on the participants. Additionally, the project has shown potential for transference to other departments and colleges, as indicated by Chan's excitement about its applicability to different academic areas.

"I think it's important to believe in the positive change we're doing with our research and just go for it," said Chan. "If anyone has an interest, if they seem like something that they would like to change, go for it and do what they can to make a positive impact."

Accolades and Achievements

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to research and education, Chan was awarded a prestigious Provost's Undergraduate Fellowship in 2023.

"I am truly honored to be selected for the Provost's Undergraduate Fellowship," said Chan. "This recognition not only validates my passion for research but also provides me with the resources needed to delve deeper into my chosen project."

At the American Society for Engineering and Education (ASEE) Pacific Southwest Section annual conference in April 2024, Chan received the Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award. The award honored her exceptional performance in research, community service and educational activities.

Dedication to a Bright Future

Chan's future plans involve continuing the research on student-faculty interactions. Her research has been accepted for publication in the 2024 ASEE Annual Conference in June, and she hopes to extend the project's applicability to other departments and colleges within UC Davis.

"I think it's really exciting to see that what we can do to make this community better can be transferred to other departments and other colleges, and everything like that," Chan expressed.

Looking forward, Chan is considering pursuing a master's program in biomedical engineering or entering the industry after completing her undergraduate studies within two years.