UNCG baseball senior Caleb Cozart was named the Southern Conference Player of the Year, while Interim Head Coach Cody Ellis earned SoCon Coach of the Year.
UNCG Applied Sport Psychology Professor Studies what Motivates Athletes
Posted on May 23, 2024
In high school, Alan Chu was on the path to becoming a professional table tennis player when his motivation started to slip. He lost close matches at a junior national team trial. He was feeling the pressure of juggling academics with five sports.
Chu decided to give the sport one last shot by joining the City University of Hong Kong’s table tennis team. The experience changed his relationship with the game.
“To be honest, I thought I’d play for one or two months,” Chu says. “But then, I had a really supportive coach and team that kept me going.” He went on to captain the championship winning team.
Losing and rediscovering his motivation sparked Chu’s interest in helping other athletes – both through hands-on work and scholarly discovery. Now, he’s an associate professor of applied sports psychology in UNCG’s Department of Kinesiology with research centered on better understanding athlete motivation.
“After my own experience with sports, I became really curious about how different people in the environment impact athletes’ motivation,” he says. “I’m interested in the dynamics within the team and how a coach impacts the player.”
Identity matters, and not just the athlete’s
Growing up in Hong Kong, Chu says he had no problem fitting in. That changed when he moved to a new country.
“I came to the U.S. speaking English as a third language and not playing football or baseball. That journey gave me a different lens and a sense of what it’s like to be underrepresented as an ethnic minority in sport,” he says. “Now, I want to look at those layers and unpeel them as much as I can.”
Chu is researching how an athlete’s background may relate to their experience of their coach’s support – or lack thereof. In a recent study, he compared how Hispanic, Black, and White high school and college athletes perceived their sporting environment.
“There have been quite a few studies on this topic looking at gender and cultural differences from a qualitative standpoint, but they have not looked at the combination of these factors using a quantitative approach, which is crucial,” says Chu.
Chu and his students from his Applied Sport Psychology display their final projects. From left to right: Grace Rogers, Danny Grillo, and Jessica Schmid.
His findings contained some surprises: they showed that while Black males had the most negative perceptions of their coaching climate and satisfaction with their psychological needs, Black females had the most positive perceptions.
“When individuals have more than one marginalized identity, they tend to feel isolated and less supported,” Chu says “So, it was surprising that Black females had the most positive perceptions of their sports environments, which were mostly male-dominated spaces in this study.”
In future studies, Chu plans to explore how athletes from more backgrounds, including Asian, Indigenous and Native American athletes, perceive their coaches. He also hopes to conduct studies with larger samples and different types of colleges.
Moving forward, Chu suggests coaches take a nuanced and personalized approach to ensure athletes from all backgrounds feel supported in sports.
“Even though your coaching approach may work for 80 percent of your athletes, it doesn’t mean you should just stick with that approach,” he said. “There may be some athletes that need a different method, and you have to adapt.”
It’s not only coaches who affect the athlete.
Chu has also recently investigated the roles parents may play. He found that athletes perceived parents who had previously played sports as being more supportive in fostering their personal growth – and less focused on winning – compared to athletes whose parent didn’t play sports.
Winning the mind game
While Chu’s findings suggest many people play a key role in athletes’ motivations, he’s also curious about how an athlete’s own internal monologue can shape their motivation and performance – a topic Chu knows all too well.
“I tried out for the junior national team, and that was probably one of the most difficult moments in my sports journey,” he says. “I actually had a pretty good shot at it, but I got nervous and made mistakes. I was upset with myself, and of course, ended up losing more right after.”
Chu now studies how mindfulness and self-compassion can ground an athlete. When athletes make inevitable mistakes, how can they cultivate their own positive internal monologue and compassion to buoy them?
Grillo displays his final project for Chu’s course, a soccer ball with self-affirmations to help inspire and motivate athletes.Schmid displays her final project for Chu’s course, temporary tattoos that give athletes helpful reminders to focus and perform.Rogers displays her final project, an image of a tree for athletes to put their unproductive thoughts on and grow through challenges that they are going through.Chu trains graduate students for jobs in applied sports psychology.
From research to the real world
As a Certified Mental Performance Consultant Chu puts his research – from mindfulness to fostering a supportive environment – into action. He trains athletes and shares evidence-based strategies.
He also teaches the next generation of athlete wellness professionals in UNCG classrooms. There, he finds new research leads and inspiration.
“The more I’m in this field, the more I’m stuck in my own way of doing things,” Chu says. “But then, students give me some creative tools and make it fun.”
Where his students land after UNCG also expands his understanding of the impact of his field. He says many of them begin working in the military after graduating: an environment where applied sport and performance psychology can make a big difference.
“Training helps athletes to be more confident and focused. In the military, that’s even more important because you have a smaller margin of error,” he says.
These skills can make a difference in everyday environments, too. He says undergraduates, whom he teaches in his Psychological Skills for Optimal Performance course, may even find it helpful in their activities off the court.
“These undergrads say that learning about sport psychology helps them with their anxiety about tests, presentations, and experiences in their daily life.”
Chu also applies his research to his own life every now and then while playing table tennis – now a hobby instead of a career.
“My mental game is so strong now,” he says with a laugh.
Story by Rachel Damiani Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications
NCInnovation Grant Goes Toward UNCG Professor’s Lithium Refining Research
Posted on May 20, 2024
Lithium is a component of batteries used in phones and vehicles. At UNCG, Dr. Hemali Rathnayake leads pioneering research into a more efficient and cost-effective method of converting lithium.
5 Perks of a UNCG Degree That Maximize Lifelong Earnings
Posted on May 21, 2024
For high school students contemplating their next step, advice is a mixed bag these days. From trade schools and gap years to military service and job offers, the choices are vast. Attending an expensive college can lead to debt and going straight to work can minimize lifelong earnings, but matching personal goals with the right environment enlightens a path forward.
Princeton Review’s Best College for over 25 years straight!
Rankings give prospective students a sketch of what UNCG can do for them, but the unexpected benefits of a UNCG education bring color and detail to a student’s vision of their future, and those benefits are best described by Spartans themselves.
1. Diversity Immersion
Alyssa Odom, a public health major with plans to be a licensed social worker, looked for diversity when she toured colleges. “I chose UNCG because of its diversity. I wanted to go to a school that looks like the real world.”
Students arrive at UNCG from different backgrounds, socio-economic groups, and interests and are encouraged to be their most authentic selves as they learn and grow here. They meet new people, work in teams, and prepare themselves to serve diverse communities and global corporations.
Additionally, when students search for experiences beyond North Carolina, UNCG’s International Programs Center (IPC) makes study abroad accessible to all regardless of a student’s economic status. IPC brings the world to Spartans, preparing them to bring cultural sensitivity, foreign language skills, and worldly perspectives that demand high salaries from employers.
Dana Broadus ’23 had never been on a plane before she enrolled in the Lloyd International Honors College and embarked on a college experience that included studying abroad in Spain, a campus job at University Communications, and undergraduate research. “My journey at UNCG has broadened my world in ways I could never have imagined,” she said.
2. Career Exploration and Inspiration
The college environment at UNCG encourages creativity, experimentation, and a healthy exchange of ideas. This not only makes the campus a place for learning, but also for self-exploration.
A high school graduate may think they’ve found the perfect career and can go straight to work or enroll in a trade school, but what if they find the work unfulfilling? College students participate in campus jobs, service and social organizations, research labs, and take classes in varied academic programs. This helps them match their interests and skills with applicable career options.
What’s more, UNCG’s size makes it big enough to allow students to sample widely different programs, but small enough to connect with advisors and peer mentors for help navigating the choices at their fingertips.
Sarah Korb ’24 arrived at UNCG with an interest in music and biochemistry, and her UNCG experience led to an acceptance in a prestigious chemistry PhD program at Princeton University. “It’s beneficial how close I was able to get to my professors here,” she said. “They know me well and could easily highlight my experience and strengths. The publication and sheer amount of research I’ve done at UNCG was also key to my Princeton acceptance.”
Career exploration leads to long-term happiness, which is what Sam Giron considered when he made a drastic pivot from chemistry to the esports concentration in the hospitality and tourism management major at UNCG. “I know that esports is something I can be happy with,” Giron confidently stated. “My first class with Dr. Erick Byrd, combined with the professionals I’ve met at campus tournaments, has me convinced that it will be a profitable career.”
3. Time Management Life Skills
The academic exploration and student engagement encouraged on a busy campus like UNCG creates a secondary perk for students – time management skills. Campus resources help students balance academics with healthy living and make time for activities that mean the most to them.
Marcos Tapia works with Dr. Hematian in a UNCG lab.
Students living on campus learn firsthand about balancing school with work and knowing when to take on new responsibilities, and this is a life skill that all adults need. Furthermore, professionals who multitask are built for leadership positions.
An excellent example is UNCG’s 2024 Goldwater Scholar, Marcos Tapia. His mentor Dr. Shabnam Hematian credited his dexterity for the prestigious appointment: “Our lab is very collaborative and interdisciplinary, so we have a lot of projects going on at once and Marcos is a strong multitasker. His experience has broadened his perspective of chemistry,” said Hematian. “This honor is the culmination of his hard work, curiosity, and initiative.”
4. Presentation Polish and Shine
Not only did Tapia’s time management skills lead to his scholarship, but he gained effective presentation skills at UNCG. Tapia took advantage of opportunities to attend conferences and present his research. And like any good scientist, he never wavered from asking questions.
Interactions like these prepare students for the most intense interviews for high paying positions. But rather than building confidence through competition, UNCG’s network of mentors builds confidence through cooperation. Students watch presentations and practice sharing expertise by teaching others what they know. Collaborative college environments give students four years to perfect the art of selling themselves, a skill that always pays dividends.
Ethan Divon, a classical studies major, won a 2024 Undergraduate Research and Creativity award for his study of video games that use Greek and Roman mythological characters and storylines. Presenting to different audiences and learning from mistakes polished his skills. “Presenting the same topic at multiple conferences allows you to improve and rework the presentation for your strengths,” he said. “The questions are always useful for improvements to your presentation.”
5. Spartan Support – Now and Forever
Although skipping college and going straight to work may seem like a more lucrative path in the short term, the connections built through a college network position graduates to always look out for new opportunities and salary bumps.
Even before students graduate, faculty introduce them to opportunities like Tapia’s Goldwater Scholarship or resume-building internships. Plus, there are numerous UNCG recruiting events, job fairs and networking events at the department level. Imagine a job where your supervisor will train you to interview for a better job. All colleges do this, but UNCG’s tight-knit faculty-student relationships mean they do it in a way that is customized to each student’s goals.
Across the country and beyond, Spartan alumni pride themselves on lighting the way for others, as others did for them. Alumni engagement and networking give graduates the opportunity to share their professional tips and success with other Spartans. It’s a connection that opens doors for career advancement.
“UNCG is a hidden gem,” she says. Her advice to tomorrow’s students is common among Spartan alumni: “Surround yourself with people who want to help you grow and succeed.”
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications. Photos by Sean Norona, University Communications.
Siblings share a bond like no other. And for three pairs of siblings in UNC Greensboro’s Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, getting to attend the school together grows that bond.
Brothers Frederick and Kelvin Adrah, sisters Tanjina and Tasmia Islam, and Panesun Tukur are pursuing Ph.D.s in nanoscience. Panesun’s brother, Frank Tukur ’23 Ph.D., is a postdoctoral research fellow in nanoscience.
The Islam Sisters
From Bangladesh, Tanjina and Tasmia have both enjoyed their time together at UNCG as synthetic biology students, getting to work in the same lab for a while and making time to study, cook, bake, watch movies, hike, and even sing and play musical instruments together.
Tasmia joined Tanjina at UNCG when Tanjina was in her third year of the Ph.D. program.
“I was relieved to have her by my side. It felt like home again,” Tanjina says. “We have been close to each other always, so going to the same graduate school has been a blessing for us.”
Both Tasmia and Tanjina are deeply interested in science and motivated to gain knowledge, and that motivation is reflected in the accolades each has received. Both Tanjina and Tasmia have been research assistants and earned fellowships at UNCG. And both are mentored by Dr. Eric A. Josephs.
Tanjina also won a UNCG General Endowed Scholarship and the Foy and Phyllis Kohler Endowment Scholarship and had a paper published in Nucleic Acid Research (NAR).
And Tasmia is the first author on a publication featured on the cover of the prestigious journal ACS Synthetic Biology. She also received the Junior Graduate Research Assistant Award in 2022.
Tasmia says she’s enjoyed the companionship and sense of familiarity that have come from being at UNCG with her sister.
“Attending the same school provides us emotional support,” she says. “We lean on each other during stressful times, celebrate each other’s successes, and navigate the challenges of academic life together.”
The Adrah Brothers
Although Frederick and Kelvin are studying different areas within nanoscience, they find it gratifying to share ideas, attend classes together, and see each other often.
The brothers grew up in Ghana, then Kelvin went to North Carolina A&T State University for a master’s in food science and chemistry.
Kelvin came to UNCG in 2021 because of the reputation of its doctoral program in nanoscience and the expertise of its faculty members, and Frederick followed in 2022.
“My brother told me so much about the wonderful research facilities at UNCG and JSNN as well as the vibrant Greensboro community,” Frederick says.
The brothers both work hard and are determined to succeed, and that has led them to excel. Kelvin is a JSNN Rising Graduate Research Scholar, and Frederick was able to graduate with a master’s degree in nanoscience in under two years.
When their schedules allow it, the brothers enjoy playing word games like Ruzzle and Scrabble, plus outdoor soccer on weekends.
The Tukur Brothers
For Panesun Tukur, the decision to come to UNCG wasn’t difficult. At the time he applied, it was one of just two U.S. universities that offered a specialized doctoral program in nanoscience. And his brother, Frank, happened to be a student.
“At that point, the choice of coming to UNCG became clear and easy,” he says.
Frank earned his Ph.D. in nanoscience in May 2023 and works at UNCG, and Panesun is a third-year doctoral candidate. The brothers are from Africa.
Frank says he’s grateful to be with his brother at UNCG.
“First, it brings a sense of home even when living in a foreign country,” he says. “Second, it strengthens our relationship as we go through new experiences and challenges together. And third, it has a significant impact on the quality of our work – we encourage, challenge, brainstorm, and critique each other’s work in a way that only family can!”
Both Tukurs work with Dr. Jianjun Wei on research. As research collaborators, the brothers have published papers in two peer-reviewed journals, ACS Applied Nano Materials and Elsevier’s Next Materials, and have two more in review.
Panesun was also a first place poster winner at the Carolina Science Symposium in 2023 and earned a Nanoscience Rising Graduate Scholar Award this year.
The Tukurs share several traits: “We are both fueled by challenges and goals, we’re very focused, and we prefer conducting our experiments late at night when the lab is empty and quiet,” Frank says.
Still, their research and career interests are different: While Panesun is drawn to solving dilemmas related to clean energy, Frank is interested in developing inexpensive tools for early disease diagnosis.
Panesun finds having his brother close by as he pursues a challenging Ph.D. a comfort and relief. For leisure, they share a passion for soccer, even though it can bring out their differences.
As Frank explains, “We play together whenever we get the chance and watch games together — with a healthy dose of rivalry because he supports the wrong club.”
Story by Dee Shore, AMBCopy Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications
Hernandez Advances to NCAA Championship for First Appearance in Program History
Posted on May 16, 2024
Kelvin Hernandez of the UNC Greensboro men’s golf team finished as the top individual not on an advancing team at the NCAA Regionals at The University of Texas Golf Club to advance to the NCAA Championship.
UNCG’s Asian and Pacific Islander Caucus Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month
Posted on May 16, 2024
The Asian & Pacific Islander Caucus (APIC) of the UNC Greensboro hosted a vibrant celebration, marking their first in-person gathering for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. This landmark event, held on May 6, saw the University community come together to honor and celebrate the rich heritage and contributions of the AAPI community.
Funded by the newly established Affinity Group Council (AGC) and extensively supported by the Provost’s Office, this celebration was the first AGC-funded social event. It aimed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) on campus, highlighting UNCG’s commitment to these essential values.
The celebration was marked by an array of cultural expressions, prominently featuring an assortment of delicious traditional foods that provided attendees with a taste of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The event served not only as a culinary tour but also as a powerful reminder of the diversity within the AAPI community.
The event attracted a large crowd, including students, faculty, and staff from various departments, all eager to partake in the festivities and learn more about the cultural wealth of the AAPI communities. The celebration was also a space for meaningful dialogue, where participants discussed the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to society and the challenges they face.
This successful gathering not only commemorated the AAPI Heritage Month but also set a precedent for future cultural celebrations at UNCG, promising to be a cornerstone event for years to come.
ON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY, A LOOK BACK AT DR. BOB EASON’S UNCG LEGACY
Posted on May 15, 2024
UNCG celebrates Dr. Bob Eason’s 100th birthday with a look back at his service to the psychology department and impact on so many Spartans during his long life.
The Division of Student Affairs hosted its annual awards celebration on May 8 to recognize staff members’ outstanding contributions and service to UNCG. Nearly 30 employees received pins for years of service to the University. Staff who had earned a degree, engaged in professional service, or retired were also recognized. The following awards were presented at the event:
Unsung Hero Steve Raye, Housing and Residence Life
Team Player Ashley Jones, Campus Activities and Programs Allison Greathouse, Housing and Residence Life
Graduate Assistant of the Year Ayana Cholula, Office of Intercultural Engagement
Rookie of the Year Katherine Faulkner, Career and Professional Development
Community Impact Keeyana Talley, Housing and Residence Life
Excellence in Assessment Joseph “JoJo” Johnson, Housing and Residence Life (Individual) Spartan Well-Being in Student Health Services (Department)
Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Brian Daniel, Dean of Students Office Bri Welsh, Office of Intercultural Engagement
Partnership Award Dr. Jesse Ford, Assistant Professor of Higher Education and Faculty in Residence
Culture of Care Award The Be Well Stay Well Event Planning Committee Ashley Marshall, Sikirat Kazeem, Dr. Jennifer Whitney, Shahnaz Khawaja, Jacqueline Blabon, Dr. Jill Beville
Legacy Award Regina King, Housing and Residence Life
This year’s Legacy Award recipient, Regina King, gave 29 years of her life to working as a housekeeper in the residence halls. Beyond her dedication to providing a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for our students, she has been a quiet source of support, providing smiles and words of encouragement to our students. She has been a role model of hard work, dedication, and perseverance for our students. Student Affairs was pleased to honor Ms. King’s retirement and present her with the Legacy Award for the impact she has had on hundreds of students over the years.
Student Affairs is proud to have such dedicated and service-minded staff and is excited to see the impact these recipients and all staff members continue to make on the UNCG and higher education communities.
Photography courtesy of Sean Norona, University Communications
Summer Campus Dining Options for Faculty and Staff
Posted on May 14, 2024
Looking for something to eat on campus during May?
Stop by Chick-Fil-A in the Elliott University Center on Monday-Friday from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Also open in the EUC is the Marketplace from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. If you’re looking for a coffee or snack, checkout the Barnes and Noble Cafe featuring Starbucks coffee. They’re open from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Spartan Village Specials
Don Gala
Dona Gala Pizzeria is offering a 15 percent discount to faculty and staff who use the code “UNCGEMP.” Stop by and eat inside or order and ask for curbside pickup. The friendly staff will run your order right out to your car.
Hours Monday and Friday: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday: 4:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Saturday: 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Closed on Sunday
Happy Bowl
The Happy Bowl Asian fusion restaurant has a 15 percent discount to faculty and staff that is valid through May 31. The code to redeem is “HAPPY.”
Hours Monday through Friday: 11:30 a.m – 8:00 p.m. Closed on Saturday and Sunday
