Faculty Friday: Aisha Chen’s Conscientiousness and Commitment to Mentorship
Many professors have a heart for mentorship, and for Aisha Chen, PhD, creating connections with students is as thrilling as developing code, a passion of hers that has led her to many research and computer science discoveries. As an engineering professor, she strives to not only offer students the tools to help them succeed in the future, but to broaden their perspectives about humanity and how their role in science can further God’s plan for them.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Chen loved solving puzzles as a kid. She enjoyed learning about math, but just like the trial and error that comes with coding, Chen’s journey through different scientific fields was met with uncertainty. After changing her major three times in college, Chen graduated with a degree in applied mathematics and a minor in chemistry. She even changed her degree in graduate school, starting a path to earn a PhD in mathematics, before switching to applied mathematics and engineering.
Chen’s interest in biomechanics and mobility led her to conduct research in gait and posture. She is currently collecting data that investigates if music increases stability and mobility in certain disorders, including stress based disorders. In 2019, she co-wrote a peer-reviewed article regarding data in Parkinson’s stability research, a meaningful experience as researchers read and cite her work.
Beginning her first full time teaching career at Azusa Pacific University in 2020 was an exciting experience for Chen, as she was glad to work in a Christian community and appreciated the fellowship that exists on a daily basis. Some of her favorite APU memories include worshiping together during Welcome Weekend and developing research projects with her students, especially when testing virtual reality.
Ultimately, the students who Chen instructs are the reason she loves being a professor. “The students are grateful to be able to learn, they’re so respectful, and they enter the lab with energy to learn,” Chen said. Her favorite class to teach is Intro to Computer Science, because she gets to instill skills for the first time in the freshmen’s lives, giving them the enthusiasm to find their calling in computer science and math. Chen hopes students never lose the wonder of how mechanisms work.
Chen implements faith in her classes by reminding students to be cautious when building codes, referring to stories in history and people she’s witnessed developing pride while working on creations. She teaches students that God is the ultimate creator.
“Some presume that science and faith are at odds with each other, but the most important thing is to maintain a relationship with God and strive to be the best person you can,” she said.
When students walk into Chen’s classroom, they often hear wise words of advice in relation to morality and humanity as a whole. “People have a huge capacity to do both good and evil, and while that’s often misunderstood in various contexts, the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to have grace,” she said. “Forgiveness has to be a norm. I try my best to be empathetic and give grace while also setting boundaries when I need to.” Chen serves as an example of being a difference maker, committing to hearing her students’ feedback and seeking to improve each year. “Before you make a change, you have to know what the problem is. Listening must come first,” she said.
Chen’s dedication to sharing authenticity, ethicality, and spiritual growth in her students’ experiences is reflective of the deep love she shares for Christ. By staying rooted in her values and never giving up on her goals, Chen exemplifies conscientiousness in her work as an engineer and professor.
Posted: February 2, 2024