UIC is a crossroads of global academic journeys. Today, we delve into the diverse experiences and unique lessons brought to our classrooms by faculty from the UK, the US, Pakistan, and France, who have joined us since the last semester.
Matthew Sansom: My digital odyssey in China
Prof Matthew Sansom at UIC
Matthew Sansom decided to come to China. It wasn't just about relocating, but bringing his nearly 30 years of academic leadership and artistic practice to UIC as a Professor in the School of Culture and Creativity. However, the biggest challenge he faced upon arrival, was his mobile phone.
"I think it was around last December when I finally managed to order food through an app," Sansom laughed. In China, people's daily lives are embedded in their phones, from telecommunication and food delivery to payments and transportation, and some apps may not have a bilingual version.
He admitted that the phone-centric lifestyle was something he was getting used to. Still, he worried, If I ever lose my phone, how am I going to survive?"
Despite the electric barrier, Sansom's transition to UIC was relatively smooth. Thanks to his six years of working experience in Malaysia, he had some familiarity with Chinese culture, and at UIC, he found a welcoming academic community. "My colleagues have been really supportive, guiding me through the new environment," he said.
While teaching at UIC, Sansom is pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm of his students. He often received appreciation from them at the end of the classes and was invited to take photos together, but he still hopes for more interactions during the class. He plans to have more activities and group discussions to encourage them to engage more actively in their learning later.
Prof Matthew Sansom during a class session
Beyond academia, Sansom is also a multidisciplinary artist with a global presence, working across visual arts, installation, performance, and music. He regards the art forms as the media to express his ideas, and an artist should choose the best one when creating.
"There aren't correct answers. It's more about what you think and what your opinion is, which is more correct because that will help people to become more independent thinkers, more critical, more creative," he stressed, and this philosophy is reflected in his teaching approach at UIC. "These skills will truly benefit them even after their graduation."
Erin Holliday-Karre: Don't let go of your passion
Dr Erin Holliday-Karre at UIC
A big, warm smile is the first impression most people have of Erin Holliday-Karre. With a PhD in English and a background spanning the US, Qatar, and now China, she now teaches at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences as an Assistant Professor, imparting her diverse academic perspectives to students at UIC.
Before completing her PhD in English, Holliday-Karre dabbled in communications and broadcasting before eventually choosing a major in psychology at her parents' request. However, her passion for English literature never died. After graduating, she worked as a flight attendant at Delta Air Lines for several years to save money for further study, and eventually earned an MA and a PhD in English.
"If you have a passion and a deep curiosity for something, follow it," she advised students who are indecisive about their future. "It's actually more common for young people to want to try everything," she said.
So far, Holliday-Karre enjoys her life at UIC. She had not only explored the city with the help of the translation apps, but participated in many cultural activities here. Last year, she went to the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration activity organised by the school to learn about the legends behind the festival’s origin, and encountered one of her favourite foods, the snow-skin mooncake. "I love learning about Chinese culture," she said, "and I love the fact that UIC gives us so many opportunities to do so."
Dr Erin Holliday-Karre making mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration activity
The students here are "passionate, very diligent, unbelievably creative, and curious", she said. She also appreciated the kindness and generosity she received from them. "On the first day of my class, I had a student of mine come up and say, 'This is my WeChat. If you have any problems, just let me know, and I'll try to help you.'"
Dr Erin Holliday-Karre in conversation with a student in class
Facing concerns about the digital age, Holliday-Karre sees literature evolving rather than fading, for although technology will innovate the storytelling formats, a good narrative is always in demand. She added that one of the most significant advantages of being an English major is the ability to think critically. "You can analyse things and think for yourself. Because of that, you're in a great position to lead rather than to be led by others," she said.
Muhammad Atif Khan Achakzai: Motivate yourself to success
Dr Muhammad Atif Khan Achakzai at UIC
Cycling around the Shandong Peninsula for 1,000 km only marked the start of Muhammad Atif Khan Achakzai's journey in China, as he earned his master's and PhD degrees from the Ocean University of China and Shanghai Jiao Tong University and further honed his skills with certificates, including CIMA, CMA and more. Prior to joining UIC, he served in both academic and industry roles, including supply chain management at an oil and gas company in Shandong.
After these diverse experiences, Achakzai decided to channel his passion for accounting and his proficiency in Chinese into academia, so he chose to settle in Zhuhai as an Assistant Professor in UIC's Faculty of Business and Management.
For Achakzai, an academic career is more fulfilling and an ongoing learning process. "As a teacher, when you put in your best effort, there will be times when you fail. But every failure is an opportunity to grow," he said. "You can learn so much from your students and colleagues, and over time, you keep improving."
Dr Muhammad Atif Khan Achakzai during a class session
Therefore, to upgrade his educational toolbox, Achakzai is currently pursuing a master's degree in educational technology remotely. He hopes to explore how technology can enhance classroom interaction, making learning more engaging and dynamic.
After experiencing the diverse teaching styles at multiple Chinese universities, Achakzai is delighted to find out that UIC encourages active student-teacher interaction. He believes that it's crucial for students to ask more questions, know how to solve problems, and understand why those solutions work. "Don't be scared if you make a mistake or something," he reassured his students, "That's fine. That's part of life. You only learn from making mistakes."
Achakzai also motivates them to be interdisciplinary. "The accounting profession is evolving," he explained and pointed out that AI-powered systems may soon replace many tasks while new opportunities, such as system design and review, may emerge.
To prepare for this shift, he urges students to develop interdisciplinary skills, combining accounting expertise with AI proficiency. "Accept the challenge, be motivated, work hard, and learn how to apply the knowledge in real life."
Damien Mazeas: Science requires cultural understanding
Dr Damien Mazeas at UIC
9,724 km. It is the distance from Zhuhai to Blois, and the distance between Damien Mazeas and his hometown in France. After earning his master's degree in France, Mazeas pursued his PhD in the UK and conducted research in Singapore, and now he is appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Science and Technology at UIC.
As a foreigner who speaks little Chinese, Mazeas admits that working in China is exciting and challenging, pushing him out of his comfort zone. Luckily, with support from his friends and colleagues at UIC, he is gradually settling into the new city and regards it as an invaluable chance to grow and absorb global perspectives. "It makes you more open-minded and adaptable, and helps you understand and connect with others," he said, encouraging the students to study and live in a different environment when they can.
Specialising in human-computer interaction (HCI), with a research focus on extended reality (XR) technologies such as VR, AR, and MR, one of Mazeas' teaching courses here is HCI. Drawing on his experience developing interactive experiences for international industrial applications, he incorporates real-world case studies into it.
Dr Damien Mazeas during a class session
Understanding how cultural contexts shape technology, such as the way social media usage varies across cultures, is a key theme in Mazeas' classes. He encourages students to analyse different design approaches between diverse cultures, and by comparing these elements, students develop a global mindset, learning to design for diverse audiences.
Looking ahead, besides teaching, Mazeas plans to focus his research on exploring how VR training environments can adjust to the learner's progress in real time by using large language models (LLMs) alongside ontologies that describe the industrial context.
Still adapting to life in a new country, he finds it manageable. "Don't be afraid to explore new ideas and don't avoid difficulties," he said. "If you don't like something, just force yourself to do it, and hopefully, it will get easier and you'll become good at it."
From MPRO
Reporter: Cecilia Yu, Koga Song
Video by Owen Li, Season Li, Hanna He
Photographer: Owen Li, Season Li, Hanna He, Zhou Ziyi
