ESTER TIAN: Miller School of Albemarle a co-ed Boarding School in Virginia for grades 8

Ph.D., University of Virginia

M.S., Changsha Institute of Technology

B.S., Changsha Institute of Technology

Teaching: Calculus, A.P. Calculus AB, Statistics, A.P. Statistics

Coaching: Robotics

434-823-4805 x247

Esther joined the Miller School of Albemarle in August 2008 after obtaining her Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Virginia. Esther's dissertation research was an interdisciplinary project, "Modeling and Analysis of Neuronal Circuits for Locomotion with Sensory Feedback." She designed and conducted novel electrophysiological experiments and established mathematical models to facilitate understanding of biological information-processing mechanisms in animal locomotion. Her fascinating research led to her dissertation, Muscle function and neuromuscular transformation in leech swimming, and other journal and conference publications. Esther received her B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Changsha Institute of Technology in China. Prior to her arrival in the United States, Esther worked as an administrative engineer in the Graduate School at Changsha Institute of Technology, where she fostered multimedia teaching, initiated the Distance Education Program, and organized university-wide graduate course evaluations and study sessions for proposals of graduate courses development. Esther also worked as a research associate in the Institute of Aerospace Medical Engineering where she designed water fountains for astronauts' use in spacecrafts.

Dr. Tian enjoys teaching. She is especially fond of seeing the delight of her students when they are grasping a new concept. She also enjoys spending time with colleagues, parents, and alumni. Pastimes include reading and hiking. Currently, Dr. Tian is interested in exploring opportunities to offer college-level courses for MSA students, and she is researching a project which compares mathematical concepts taught in high schools in America and in China, and which incorporates mathematical skills needed for college.

Joe Zhu, Esther's husband, is a research scientist in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Virginia. He has a great passion for nanoscale fabrication. Their son, Seamore, is enjoying middle school after graduating from Crozet Elementary School with the President's Award.