UNC System Bestows Teaching Excellence Award upon Biology Professor Han

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Feb. 16, 2026) – A North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University biology professor widely regarded as a transformative and student-centered educator has been selected for one of the University of North Carolina System’s highest faculty honors.

Jian “Jessica” Han, Ph.D., of the College of Science and Technology (CoST), has been named N.C. A&T’s 2026 recipient of the UNC Board of Governors (BOG) Award for Excellence in Teaching, which recognizes faculty whose instructional excellence, innovation and impact set the highest standard.

“Receiving the Excellence in Teaching Award is a deeply meaningful recognition of my commitment to my students and our university,” Han said. “I am proud of the work I do as an educator, and this honor encourages and motivates me to continue striving for excellence. I have learned as much from my students as I have taught them, and I am grateful for the truly reciprocal and inspiring influence we share.”

Han, who joined A&T in 2009, is known for her dynamic, evidence-based teaching philosophy grounded in active learning, critical thinking, and rejecting what educational scholar Ken Bain calls “bulimic education,” or learning by memorization and regurgitation.

Instead, Han designs immersive learning environments that challenge students to integrate concepts, solve problems collaboratively and apply scientific knowledge through inquiry and real-world engagement. She incorporates case-based discussions, formative feedback and interactive learning tools that turn classrooms into “spaces where ideas are explored, questions are welcomed, and learning becomes a shared journey,” she wrote in her personal statement.

Han’s teaching innovations include designing an introductory research course where students develop experiments, analyze data, and practice scientific communication – skills that consistently help them outperform their national peers on the Classroom Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) survey in project ownership, data interpretation and research writing. More recently, she launched a community-engaged research course focused on brain health and service, leading students to offer more than 35 presentations to older adults on topics like brain health, nutrition and mental wellness, with findings now being prepared for publication.

“Dr. Han’s dedication to inclusive, research-driven, and community-centered science education is exceptional,” Department of Biology Chair Checo J. Rorie, Ph.D., wrote his letter of support. “Her teaching is not only effective – it is transformative. She is one of our department’s most impactful educators and an exemplary representative of the teaching mission of North Carolina A&T.”

Han’s research mentorship record is equally remarkable. She has guided more than 100 undergraduate and 20 graduate students in her nutritional neuroscience laboratory, producing 23 peer‑reviewed publications, including 18 with student co-authors. Many of her mentees have gone on to competitive graduate programs, medical schools and research careers.

Han’s outstanding contributions have been acknowledged through several honors, including CoST’s Excellent Teaching Award in 2020, selection as a University Digital Learning Fellow in 2024 and invitations to present on undergraduate research pedagogy at national conferences.

The BOG Excellence in Teaching award was established in 1994, to underscore the central role of teaching across the UNC System. Each honoree receives a commemorative bronze medallion, $12,500 cash prize and recognition during their institution’s spring commencement ceremony.