The University of Connecticut is mourning the loss of Nan Zhang, a doctoral student in the statistics program. Zhang, who was originally from Shenzhen, China, passed away unexpectedly.
Zhang enrolled at UConn in the Fall 2023 semester, according to a university statement. Before coming to Uconn, she earned a Master of Arts in statistics at Columbia University. Before that, Zhang earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science and engineering, with a double major in math and a minor in studio art at Ohio State University.
Zhang had a research assistantship in statistics and was working in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ Academic Services Center. She was also the first graduate student to work with the university’s new sports statistics experiential learning program, which provides undergraduate students with hands-on experience in the field of sports analytics while working with UConn athletics teams, according to the statistics department’s website.
Regarding Zhang’s involvement with the program, the university wrote, “She was excited to jump on board with a project that was young and still learning how to operate, working [to] help to build it up. Nan has been described as a sweet and dedicated individual who will be greatly missed.”
Condolences to Zhang’s family can be addressed to the UConn Graduate School, located on the second floor of the Whetten Graduate Center, at 438 Whitney Rd Extension, Unit 1152, Storrs, CT 06269-1152.
The university stated that any graduate students needing guidance or support can reach out to the Graduate School by phone at 860-486-3617 or email at gradschool@uconn.edu. Undergraduate students can find support at the Dean of Students Office, located on the second floor, in Room 203, of Wilbur Cross.
According to the statement, the drop-in hours for undergraduate students are “Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 1 p.m.- 3 p.m., Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. and Wednesdays from 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. in the Cultural Centers, no appointment needed at those times.” Students can also call 860-486-3426 to request a meeting with an assistant dean.
Staff, faculty and graduate students can reach out to the university’s employee assistance program for support. Additional information is listed on the UConn Human Resources website.
“Please remember that as a university community we are here for each other,” the university stated. “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.”
Other Resources:
- Student Health & Wellness Mental Health Services, 4th floor of Arjona, is available to provide support to the students who may be struggling. There are several ways students can connect with SHaW. To make an appointment with SHaW-Mental Health, call 860-486-4705 or schedule an appointment through the SHaW portal.
- If you need help more immediately, resources including BeWell, the 24/7/365 mental health support line, can be accessed on the SHaW website.
- Let’s Talk Mental Health Office Hours is a drop-in service available to students. Visit the SHaW website for dates, times and locations.
- Information about managing grief is also located on the SHaW-Mental Health website.