Evelyn Mensah is a PhD Health Sciences student in the Nutrition Department and the May 2025 Graduate Student Spotlight.

What course(s) do you or have you taught at URI? 

I began teaching Public Health Nutrition in Fall 2024. This course is a grand challenge course focused on food and nutrition insecurity. It is an interdisciplinary course that integrates the concepts and principles of public health nutrition to explore food and nutrition challenges in the U.S.

What is one piece of teaching advice that you have received that you would like to pass on to others?

As this was my first time teaching, I received significant help from the teaching workshops provided by graduate school, as well as from the faculty and teaching assistants in the Nutrition Department. I am particularly grateful to Dr. Lofgren, Prof. Larson, Dr. Missimer, and Dr. Oaks, who mentored me during this journey. Among the advice I received, one piece that resonated with me was to be patient, inclusive, and empathetic. I learned the importance of creating an environment that values students, listens to their concerns, and recognizes that every student learns at their own pace while engaging them in active, interactive learning.

What is your proudest teaching moment?

My proudest teaching moment was when a student who had struggled throughout the semester came to me at the end of the semester to thank me for believing in them. They had managed to turn their performance around and felt confident in their abilities. Witnessing their growth and knowing I played a part in it was incredibly rewarding.

What do you hope students look back on in ten years and say about your classes?

I am eager to continue fostering inclusivity in my teaching approaches and creating a classroom environment that welcomes diverse feedback from students of various backgrounds. I hope that students remember my classes as places where they felt challenged yet supported and welcomed. My vision is to integrate innovative teaching methods and stay updated with educational research to enhance my teaching practices.

What is a difficult moment that you learned from in the classroom? What did you learn?

For most of my assignments, I strive to have students work in groups to foster a spirit of teamwork. A challenging moment arose when I had to address a conflict between students during a group project. We discussed what went wrong and how we could improve together. This experience taught me the importance of clear communication and setting expectations early on, as well as the value of feedback and being open to change. It also helped me learn how to mediate effectively and ensure a respectful and collaborative classroom environment.

How do you relax after a long day of teaching?

I enjoy unwinding by taking walks while listening to gospel music, reading my Bible or Christian literature, or spending time with family and friends. These activities help me recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

What do you like to do for fun?

For fun, I enjoy reading, walking, cooking for friends, playing games, and exploring Rhode Island with my friends. These activities allow me to relax and enjoy quality time with loved ones. I truly cherish the friendships I have through URI African Student Connect.