Dr. Poh Tan recognized with Dean’s Convocation Medal

As one of SFU's most outstanding graduate students from the Faculty of Education, Dr. Poh Tan is recognized with the Dean of Graduate Studies Convocation Medal. On behalf of SFU, we congratulate Dr. Tan on her outstanding achievements.

Dr. Poh Tan’s PhD thesis, Extending scientific literacy through Indigenous Hawaiian epistemology: Navigating scientific seas with hula, is a synthesis of scholarly work in the fields of science literacy, identity formation, Hawaiian epistemology and evocative ethnography. She blended science, art and education, through the practice of hula and Hawaiian teaching, learning, and ways of knowing to foster a wholistic approach to scientific literacy. 

Tan joined SFU’s Faculty of Education to pursue her second PhD; with her first PhD awarded in stem cell biology from UBC’s Faculty of Medicine. Through her research, she integrated her various identities, including science educator, stem cell biologist, award-winning entrepreneur, mother and Malaysian Nyonya heritage into her research as she incorporated an Indigenous Hawaiian approach to decenter dominant science teaching practices to a place of transformation where mind, heart, and spirit became integral to teaching science.

Tan was the lead researcher in creating Vancouver's Bloedel Conservatory first science virtual classroom experiences, and she is a science educational consultant for BC Hydro's Power Smart for Schools, blending diverse perspectives, science literacy, and energy conservation. In addition, Tan is the lead on creating Science World’s first publicly accessible digital stories about the impacts of industrialization on the ecology of False Creek.

Tan is a two-time TEDx speaker, SFU's 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient, YWCA Woman of Distinction Award Nominee in Education, Mantella Corporation BIPOC Entrepreneur Award recipient, Past-President elect for the Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST), and a United Nations delegate for the National Council of Women of Canada for equity in STEM.  She was Editor-in-Chief for the Faculty of Education's SFU Educational Review journal and a Beedie School of Business Mentors in Business volunteer.  

Tan’s supervisor, Dr. David Zandvliet, sees Tan’s strengths as pieces that will continue to build her future career. Says Zandvliet, “[I] believe that Poh is truly poised to make a significant contribution to interdisciplinary scholarship that is likely to make a strong impact in the field. Further as Poh’s supervisor, I have consistently witnessed Poh display high levels of energy, commitment, and productivity and am certain she will continue to bring these strengths to her postdoctoral work.”

Says Tan, “My second graduate research journey has been an eye-opening and transformative time in regards to diving deep to understand my role as a scientist, educator and researcher.  This award, along with mentorship from my supervisor, Dr. Zandvliet, my committee members, Dr. Heesoon Bai and Dr. Stephen Smith, and examiner, Dr. Cajete, is a testament and validation of the significance and importance of changing how we teach and share science with future educators and students. This award also reflects the collaborative efforts and support from the community who I worked alongside and our collective dedication towards advancing science educational practices to ensure diverse perspectives and knowledge are respected and included.”

Following the completion of her PhD, Tan continues her research as well as her advisory, consultancy, and volunteer roles with the Bloedel Conservatory, Science World, BCHydro Power Smart for Schools, and SCWIST to create and develop science educational initiatives and programs that align with the same transformative values and principles as she gathered in her research.