November 4, 2009

A world of experience

Assistant Professor of History and Social Sciences Nicole Freiner draws from her research in political science, women’s studies, and Japanese culture.

In her short time at Bryant, Nicole Freiner, assistant professor of history and social sciences, has been impressed by the energy and creativity shown by her students.

“It is always memorable when students are developing ideas, discussing concepts with each other, and figuring out their opinions on an issue,” says Freiner, who joined the Bryant faculty in September.

She knew from her first time on campus that the University is committed to academic excellence. “When I visited Bryant and spoke with students and professors, I knew that this was a place where I could thrive because of the focus on student engagement.”

Her courses draw upon her vast experiences that include an M.A. and Ph.D. in political science, as well as a graduate certificate in Women’s Studies, and a B.A. in political science and Japanese language. A fluent speaker of Japanese, Freiner spent a year living and studying in Japan through the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.

“I try to bring my own personal experiences, whether they are research or travel, into my teaching,” says Freiner.

Passion to teach

In her Introduction to Global Politics courses this fall, her students have explored cultural conflict, environmental issues, and changes in global politics. In the spring, she will teach a special topics course that will delve into the politics of Asia.

“Teaching is a great joy to me, and I am passionate about sharing the theories and ideas of my discipline with students,” says Freiner.

(Left) Dean of the College of Business Jack Trfits and (right) Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences David Lux with new faculty members (L-R) Assistant Professor of Marketing Stefanie Boyer, Associate Professor of Biochemistry Qin Leng, Assistant Professor of Marketing Sharmin Attaran, Assistant Professor of History and Social Sciences Nicole Freiner, and Assistant Professor of Accounting Kwadwo Asare.

Freiner, who is in the process of writing a book, “The Social and Gender Politics of Confucian States,” has also performed scholarly research on Title IX, an act guaranteeing equal opportunity for women in education and athletics, and worked as a consultant to provide analysis of politics in east and Southeast Asia.

In October, she helped plan a visit by Annika Culver, an assistant professor of Asian History at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, who has taught and conducted research in Japan, China, and the United States.

One of her most important priorities is ensuring that her students feel comfortable contributing in class. “I hope students come up with their own perspectives after taking my course and are able to better understand the material I am teaching.”