We are sorry to share the news that Nan Zhang has passed away unexpectedly. Nan, was a PhD student in the Statistics program at UConn. Nan started at UConn in the fall 2023 and was originally from Shenzhen China.
Prior to enrolling at UConn, Nan studied at Columbia University where she completed a Master of Arts in Statistics. At The Ohio State University, Nan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Engineering with double majors in Math and a minor in Studio Art.
At UConn she held a research assistantship in Statistics and was working in the CLAS Academic Services Center. Nan was the first graduate student to work with the new Sports Statistics Experiential Learning Program. She was excited to jump on board with a project that was young and still learning how to operate, working help to build it up. Nan has been described as a sweet and dedicated individual who will be greatly missed.
Condolences to Nan’s family can be sent to The Graduate School, located in the Whetten Graduate Center, 438 Whitney Rd Extension, Unit 1152, Storrs, CT 06269-1152
The university has resources available for any student needing support during this difficult time. If you encounter students in need of assistance, please refer them to the offices listed below.
Student Health & Wellness Mental Health Services, 4th floor of Arjona is available to provide support to the students who may be struggling. There are a number of ways students can connect with SHaW:
*To make an appointment with SHaW-Mental Health call 860-486-4705 or schedule an appointment online.
*If you need help more immediately, resources including BeWell, the 24/7/365 mental health support line can be accessed here.
*Let’s Talk Mental Health Office Hours is a drop-in service available to students, visit here for dates, times, and locations: Let's Talk | Student Health and Wellness (uconn.edu).
*Information about managing grief is located on the SHaW-Mental Health website
Graduate students needing guidance or support should reach out to The Graduate School, located in the Whetten Graduate Center on the second floor. The phone number is 860-486-3617 or email gradschool@uconn.edu. Karen Bresciano and Kimberly Curry are available to help in any way we can.
Undergraduate students in need of support should be directed to the Dean of Students Office located in room 203, Wilbur Cross. Students can stop by during drop-in hours, Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 1pm-3pm, Thursdays from 9am – 11:00am and Wednesdays from 5pm-7pm in the Cultural Centers, no appointment needed at those times. Or call 860-486-3426 to request a meeting with an Assistant Dean.
Staff and faculty, including Graduate Assistants are encouraged to reach out to UConn’s Employee Assistance Program if they are in need of support.
Please remember that as a university community we are here for each other. These messages are so difficult to share as the loss of a community member is never easy. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Nan’s family and friends during this time.
Take care of yourself and reach out for help if needed.
Sincerely,
Fany DeJesús Hannon, Ed.D
Dean of Students
Leslie M. Shore, Ph.D
Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of The Graduate School
For more information, contact: Dean of Students Office at 860-486-3426