class: center, middle, inverse, title-slide .title[ #
Journey Across Borders: My Experience Living, Studying, and Working in the U.S.
] .author[ ### Ying-Ju Tessa Chen, PhD
Scholar
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@ying-ju
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Sites
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ychen4@udayton.edu
] .date[ ### October, 2024 | National Taipei University | Taiwan ] --- ## Who am I? .Large[Ying-Ju Tessa Chen, Associate Professor in Statistics, University of Dayton] .pull-left[ ### Academic Background - B.S. in Applied Mathematics (2000), National Chung-Hsing University, Taiwan - M.A. in Mathematics (2003), National Taiwan University - M.S. in Statistics (2011), Bowling Green State University - Ph.D. in statistics (2015), Bowling Green State University ] .pull-right[
] --- .pull-left-2[ ### Professional Experience - **Before I came to UD**: Visiting Assistant Professor at Farmer School of Business, Miami University (Information Systems & Analytics). - **Teaching experience**: - 15th year since coming to the USA. - `Classroom Teaching:` Since joining the University of Dayton in the Fall of 2017, I have taught 13 different courses in Statistics and Mathematics, including Data Analytics, and a total of 28 sections. - **Mentoring** - `Advisor for` [Data Analytics Club](https://1850.udayton.edu/dac/home/) - `Capstone Advisor:` for 16 students. - `Mathematics Clinic (Master's Thesis) Advisor:` for 3 students. ] .pull-right-2[ <br> <div class="figure" style="text-align: center"> <img src="./figs/MTH208.jpg" alt="2024, MTH 208 Exploratory Data Analysis." width="2731" /> <p class="caption">2024, MTH 208 Exploratory Data Analysis.</p> </div> <div class="figure" style="text-align: center"> <img src="./figs/capstone.jpg" alt="2023, Students for Capstone Projects." width="1067" /> <p class="caption">2023, Students for Capstone Projects.</p> </div> ] --- .pull-left[ ### Research Interests - Statistics modeling and its applications - Data Science applications in manufacturing, healthcare operations, and transportation safety. - I am dedicated to working on research related to people's daily lives and well-being. ### Professional Service and Leadership - Interim Council of Sections Representative 2024, Section for Statistical Programmers and Analysts, American Statistical Association. ] .pull-right[ <br> <img src="./figs/coauthors.jpg" width="2224" style="display: block; margin: auto;" /> ] --- ## Living in the United States ### Cultural differences - **Communication styles** .small[ - `Listen first:` People appreciate thoughtful responses, and it's common to let the other person finish before contributing. - `Direct vs. Indirect Communication:` Americans, in general, tend to be more direct in their communication. - `Asking Questions:` Asking questions is encouraged and seen as a sign of engagement. - `Non-verbal Cues:` Body language, eye contact, and facial expressions are important. ] - **Social norms** .small[ - `Individualism vs. Collectivism:` The U.S. places a high value on individualism, where personal goals and independence are emphasized. - `Punctuality:` Being on time for meetings, classes, or social events (e.g., weddings, funerals, etc.) is crucial. - `Small Talk:` Americans often engage in small talk (e.g., weather, sports, or weekend plans) as a way to build support. - `Personal Space:` People in the U.S. tend to maintain more personal space during conversations. Individuals often leave some distance between themselves and others. ] --- .pull-left-2[ - **Daily life differences** .small[ - `Public Transportation vs. Driving:` In many parts of the U.S., driving is the primary mode of transportation. - `Dining Etiquette:` Tipping is a big part of U.S. dining culture. It's standard to tip 15-20% in restaurants. - `Holidays and Celebrations:` Most major U.S. holidays are in the fall and winter seasons. ] ### Adapting to new environments - **Challenges I faced ** .small[ - Learning to Cook - Overcoming Language Barriers - Listen to conversations to pick up natural phrasing. - Listen to radios/podcasts for different accents and vocabulary. - Watch TV shows or news to hear real-life dialogue. - Learn from how your professors communicate during lectures. - Talk to your neighbors or classmates, if possible. ] ] .pull-right-2[ <br> <div class="figure" style="text-align: center"> <img src="./figs/cook.jpg" alt="My first homemade curry rice!" width="80%" /> <p class="caption">My first homemade curry rice!</p> </div> **Lazy people must know a way to survive!** 😄 <div class="figure" style="text-align: center"> <img src="./figs/USA_Life.jpg" alt="My wonderful neighbor, Jo, with her brother and sister-in-law." width="80%" /> <p class="caption">My wonderful neighbor, Jo, with her brother and sister-in-law.</p> </div> ] --- ### Building a community .pull-left-2[ - **Finding support networks** .small[ - Taiwanese Student Association - local Taiwanese associations - Facebook Groups - Student Clubs ] - **Making friends** .small[ - Be Open and Approachable - Joining Group Activities - .purple[Diversity of Friendships] ] - **Staying connected to our cultural roots** .small[ - Celebrate Traditions - Staying in Touch with Family and Friends Back Home ] ] .pull-right-2[ <div class="figure" style="text-align: center"> <img src="./figs/BGSU_taiwanese2.jpg" alt="2011, Taiwanese Student Party." width="80%" /> <p class="caption">2011, Taiwanese Student Party.</p> </div> <br> <div class="figure" style="text-align: center"> <img src="./figs/put_in_bay.jpg" alt="2015, Put-in-Bay Trip." width="80%" /> <p class="caption">2015, Put-in-Bay Trip.</p> </div> ] --- ## Studying in the U.S. .pull-left-2[ ### Academic differences - **Structures between Taiwan and the U.S.** .small[ - `Teaching Styles:` Classes tend to be more interactive. - `Class Expectations:` Students are typically expected to be active learners, which includes contributing to class discussions, asking questions, and working on group projects. - `Assessment Methods:` - Frequent quizzes and exams - Graded homework and projects (e.g., homework assignments, group projects, and presentations) - Participation as part of grading - Diverse forms of evaluation (e.g., papers, presentations, and peer reviews) ] ] .pull-right-2[ <div class="figure" style="text-align: center"> <img src="./figs/Gupta.jpg" alt="2015, Dr. Arjun K. Gupta retired." width="75%" /> <p class="caption">2015, Dr. Arjun K. Gupta retired.</p> </div> ] --- ### Graduate studies .pull-left-2[ - **Process of applying for graduate programs** .small[ - `Application Requirements:` U.S. graduate programs usually require a combination of 1. academic transcripts, 2. standardized test scores (e.g., GRE, TOEFL/IELTS for international students), 3. recommendation letters, 4. a statement of purpose, and sometimes a resume or CV. Each program may have specific requirements, so it's important to carefully review them. - `Researching Programs:` It is essential to find programs that align with personal and academic goals. - `Funding Opportunities:` Teaching or Research assistantships, fellowships, or scholarships. ] ] .pull-right-2[ <div class="figure" style="text-align: center"> <img src="./figs/Albert.jpg" alt="2014, Business Analytics Case Competition, First Place Award, BGSU. Advisor: Dr. Jim Albert." width="75%" /> <p class="caption">2014, Business Analytics Case Competition, First Place Award, BGSU. Advisor: Dr. Jim Albert.</p> </div> ] --- .pull-left-2[ - **Differences in academic culture** .small[ - `Professor-Student Relationship:` In U.S. graduate programs, relationships with professors tend to be less formal than in Taiwan. Professors often take on a mentorship role. - `Thesis or Qualifying Exams:` Many U.S. graduate programs require students to either complete a thesis or pass a qualifying exam to graduate. Some master's programs allow students to complete coursework-only degrees without a thesis or qualifying exam, which is more common in professional or applied fields. - `Collaboration and Networking:` Collaboration among peers and faculty is encouraged, through group work, discussions, and networking at conferences. ] - **How to succeed in U.S. academic** .small[ - Time Management and Self-Motivation - Active Participation - Publishing and Presenting Research ] ] .pull-right-2[ <br> <br> <div class="figure" style="text-align: center"> <img src="./figs/teaching_award.jpg" alt="2014, Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, BGSU." width="80%" /> <p class="caption">2014, Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, BGSU.</p> </div> <br> <div class="figure" style="text-align: center"> <img src="./figs/mytable.jpg" alt="2013, My desk at BGSU." width="80%" /> <p class="caption">2013, My desk at BGSU.</p> </div> ] --- ### Research opportunities - **Where to get involved in research** .small[ - `Work hard for class projects:` They are great showcases for what you have done. - `Talk to your professors:` They are often the best resources for finding research opportunities. - `Campus job platforms:` Many universities post research assistant positions on job platforms specific to their campus. - `Read emails:` Keep an eye on department emails or newsletters for announcements about research opportunities, internships, or assistantships. ] - **Additional Tips for Finding Research Opportunities** .small[ - `Attend Research Seminars:` Many campuses host research seminars where professors and students present their work. Attending these can help you learn about research areas of interest and make connections. - `Participate in the Statistical Consulting Center:` Many universities with a Statistics department offer a Statistical Consulting Center where students can assist faculty, staff, and external clients with real-world data analysis problems. It's a great way to apply what you've learned and gain practical experience. ] <br> .center[ **Work hard & Work Smart!** ] --- ## Working in the U.S. .pull-left-2[ ### Job market and work culture - **Transition from studying to working** .small[ - Applying Academic Skills in the Workplace - Internships and Entry-Level Roles - Learning Professional Etiquette - Email communication - Meetings - Deadlines ] - **Key differences in work culture compared to Taiwan** .small[ - Work-Life Balance - Initiative and Independence - Feedback and Evaluation ] ] .pull-right-2[ <br> <br> <div class="figure" style="text-align: center"> <img src="./figs/math.jpg" alt="2023, UD Graduation Banquet." width="9045" /> <p class="caption">2023, UD Graduation Banquet.</p> </div> ] --- ### Challenges and opportunities .pull-left-2[ - **Visa issues ** .small[ - `Patience and Timing:` Navigating the visa process can be time-consuming, and it’s often best to discuss visa-related concerns after receiving a job offer. Stay patient throughout the process. - `Employer Sponsorship:` Look for employers familiar with sponsoring international workers for visas like H-1B or OPT extensions. Some industries and companies are more open to sponsoring than others. ] - **Professional networking** .small[ - `Be Open-Minded:` An open mind and willingness to meet new people can lead to unexpected opportunities. - `Mentorship:` Seek out mentors who can guide you through the professional landscape and provide advice on career development. ] ] .pull-right-2[ <br> <br> <div class="figure" style="text-align: center"> <img src="./figs/Miryam.jpg" alt="2018, Miryam Award, as a member of F3USE - a faculty group that collaborates on teaching, research, and supporting females in STEM, University of Dayton." width="100%" /> <p class="caption">2018, Miryam Award, as a member of F3USE - a faculty group that collaborates on teaching, research, and supporting females in STEM, University of Dayton.</p> </div> ] --- .pull-left-2[ - **Adapting to the corporate culture** .small[ - `Workplace Diversity:` U.S. companies often emphasize diversity and inclusion, creating opportunities to work with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. - `Corporate Communication:` Be prepared for a more direct communication style, especially in meetings or discussions. <br> <br> <div class="figure" style="text-align: center"> <img src="./figs/Miami.jpg" alt="2017, Some of my colleagues at Miami University." width="75%" /> <p class="caption">2017, Some of my colleagues at Miami University.</p> </div> ] ] .pull-right-2[ <br> <br> <br> <br> <div class="figure" style="text-align: center"> <img src="./figs/Miami2.jpg" alt="2017, Goodbye Party at Bob Leonard's house." width="75%" /> <p class="caption">2017, Goodbye Party at Bob Leonard's house.</p> </div> ] --- ### Tips for career growth .pull-left-2[ - **Continuous Learning** .small[ - `Be an Active Learner:` Keep expanding your skills through professional development, whether that’s taking courses, attending workshops, or staying current with industry trends. - `Adaptability:` The ability to adapt to new technologies, tools, and trends is crucial for long-term career growth in any field. ] - **Openness to Feedback** .small[ - `Embrace Constructive Criticism:` Regular feedback is a part of U.S. workplace culture, so view constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth. - `Show Initiative:` Demonstrating initiative and a willingness to take on challenges can set you apart from your peers and help you advance in your career. ] ] .pull-right-2[ <div class="figure" style="text-align: center"> <img src="./figs/allpass.jpg" alt="My lots container for math courses." width="65%" /> <p class="caption">My lots container for math courses.</p> </div> ] --- ## Key Takeaways .pull-left-2[ - **Adapting to Life in the U.S.:** Embrace cultural differences and be open to learning from new experiences, whether in communication, daily life, or building a community. - **Studying in the U.S.:** Independent learning and active participation are crucial. Be prepared for more assignments, frequent assessments, and research opportunities. - **Working in the U.S.:** Transitioning from student life to the workplace requires adapting to new work cultures, networking, and continuous learning for career growth. - **Opportunities:** Whether through research, networking, or internships, take advantage of every opportunity to build your skills and make connections. ] .pull-right-2[ <br> <br> <div class="figure" style="text-align: center"> <img src="./figs/apple_flower.jpg" alt="Apple tree flowers in my backyard." width="80%" /> <p class="caption">Apple tree flowers in my backyard.</p> </div> ] --- <img src="./figs/QA.png" width="58%" style="display: block; margin: auto;" /> <hr> .footnote[ **Image Source:** Image is generated using [ChatGPT](https://chatgpt.com/) by Tessa Chen on October 20, 2024. ] --- ## Thank You! .pull-left[ <br> <br> Please do not hesitate to contact me (Tessa Chen) at <a href="mailto:ychen@udayton.edu"><i class="fa fa-paper-plane fa-fw"></i> ychen4@udayton.edu</a> for questions or further discussions. ] .pull-right[ <img src="./figs/Tessa_grey_G.gif" width="60%" style="display: block; margin: auto;" /> ]