Meet the new faculty in the Gregory H. Olsen College of Engineering and Science
Say “hello” to the new faculty members in the Gregory H. Olsen College of Engineering and Science!
FDU: How did a failure, or a seeming failure, lead you to future success?
Hyungjoo (Jay) Choi: Perseverance and grit. I failed the preliminary exam during my Ph.D. at Iowa State University, and this led to my second M.S. degree. Then, I transferred to Rutgers University and re-took the exam. I received my Ph.D. at Rutgers University within three years. Take a deep breath about your professional journey.
FDU: If you were stuck on a deserted island, what is the one book that you absolutely must have with you?
HC: I would bring Timoshenko Beam Theory. This is the book piqued my curiosity in structural engineering.
FDU: What brought you to FDU?
HC: I have been working in the industry the past seven years after graduating from Rutgers. FDU’s civil engineering program has great potential to grow, and the state of New Jersey needs civil and structural engineers to resolve the engineering issues that we are facing for existing bridges as well as buildings.
FDU: When did you realize that you wanted to be a professor, and why?
Anna Debska-Chwaja: I was drawn to both chemistry and teaching early in life, likely because of my family background. I was fortunate to have excellent teachers who not only taught their subjects well but also encouraged curiosity and independent thinking. They were role models for me. Over time, I discovered that I enjoyed explaining concepts to my peers and helping them succeed. Later, while working in a corporate environment, I gained even more confidence in my ability to communicate clearly. Giving presentations and troubleshooting complex issues, I often received feedback praising my skill in making difficult ideas understandable and in translating intricate technical details into simple, practical language. These experiences confirmed for me that teaching was not only something I could do, but something truly worth doing.
Professors do far more than deliver lectures — they mentor, inspire, and sometimes change the entire course of a student’s life. This is what excites me about the profession. The role allows me to keep learning, since every class brings new questions, fresh perspectives, and opportunities to stay engaged with the latest developments in the field. Education is one of the most meaningful ways to make a lasting difference and improve our human condition.
FDU: What is your favorite season, and why?
ADC: I like autumn the most because it feels like the perfectly balanced season. I like nature. I like hiking and gardening. The autumn days are still long enough to enjoy time outdoors, but the air is cooler and more comfortable for walking . The forests and fields come alive with beautiful colors, and there’s a deep sense of peace in the changing season. I can still work in the garden, enjoying the harvest and preparing for the next year.
As a volunteer researcher with Palisades Interstate League of Naturalists, I take part in biodiversity studies of mushrooms and medicinal plants, and autumn provides the perfect conditions for this work.
FDU: What brought you to FDU?
ADC: A combination of circumstances. I was in the process of changing my career, when I learned about an opening for an adjunct position in chemistry at FDU. Teaching Chemistry for the Health Sciences at FDU soon became a passion. After many years of adjuncting, this summer I started to work at FDU as a lecturer, which brings me great joy and satisfaction.
FDU: Who inspires you and why?
Rachana Nair: I’m deeply inspired by my parents, who shaped my values and earned our family deep respect in our hometown. My mom was a cherished presence of our hometown — kind, caring, and always ready to help anyone who came to our door. Her warmth and generosity continue to guide me every day. My dad is a respected teacher, a gifted public speaker, and a favorite among his students. As the only sister to my brothers, I was raised by a loving circle of family, my grandmother, aunt, uncles — who surrounded us with care, affection, and strong values. Growing up in a village full of innocent, loving people, I was immersed in compassion and community. Seeing both of my parents in action, I’ve always aspired to be a passionate, kind, and helpful teacher— just like them.
FDU: What would the title of your autobiography be?
RN: Threads of Kindness in a Petri Dish of Dreams
FDU: What brought you to FDU?
RN: FDU feels like more than just a workplace — it feels like home. Seeing so many students from my town walk its halls makes the connection even stronger. I began as an adjunct faculty member, and from the very first class, I felt a deep sense of purpose. Teaching isn’t just a profession for me, it’s a calling. Coming from a village where education is cherished and kindness is a way of life, I was drawn to FDU’s inclusive spirit and its commitment to nurturing both intellect and humanity. I’ve also been fortunate to work with incredibly supportive colleagues and a caring department chair, whose encouragement has helped me grow both personally and professionally. FDU has given me the space to pour my heart into teaching, uplift students, and live the values I was raised with compassion, respect, and a love for learning.