University of La Verne Professor Selected for Fulbright Scholar Program

The Council for International Exchange of Scholars has selected Dr. Gail Tang, assistant professor of mathematics at the University of La Verne, for the prestigious Fulbright Scholar Program.

The program will support Tang as she travels to Burma in the spring of 2019 to show students and faculty creative and analytic approaches to math.

“I am driven by learning — particularly learning from and engaging with other cultures,” Tang said. “I am excited to make connections across these different cultural experiences and bring them into my life experiences—especially into my classrooms.”

Tang is well equipped to focus on strengthening curriculum development to meet changing needs, improving the quality of teaching and training of teachers, and providing appropriate instructional materials.

Additionally, Tang says that engaging with and learning from a diverse group will broaden her understanding and appreciation of people who have had experiences different from her own.

“I am probably most excited by the possibility of continuing to serve as a mentor for young people, especially young girls and women,” Tang said. “With this Fulbright experience, I hope to broaden my impact to the Burmese youth.”

Tang will draw from her expertise in teaching undergraduate math to show faculty inquiry-based teaching methods and how to promote active learning. She also plans to conduct research with faculty during her trip.

She hopes to develop future collaborations in research and possible exchange programs with faculty.

The professor, who has been to six out of seven continents, says her travels have enriched her life and her teaching.

“These travel experiences have challenged me mentally, emotionally, physically, and intellectually,” Tang said. “I believe these experiences contribute to my preparedness in teaching at my host institution. I am optimistic that this holistic approach will make me a more responsible professor to my students and colleague to my peers. I also hope that I can share my cultural experiences with people with whom I come in contact.”

Tang adds to the roster of University of La Verne faculty who have been selected as Fulbright Scholars. Others are Professor of Music Reed Gratz, Professor of History Kenneth Marcus, and the late Herbert Hogan, professor of history.

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The Program awards approximately 8,000 new grants annually in more than 160 countries worldwide.