College of Humanities and Sciences

Farah Radwan, Ph.D., brings over 15 years of experience in higher education, with a background that spans academic teaching, executive leadership and institutional management. Her career has taken her from teaching at both public and private universities in the U.S. all the way to an all-female college overseas. Each experience has shaped her approach to education and leadership. Resilience, transition, and growth are at the heart of her journey, and she’s passionate about helping others navigate their own paths with confidence and purpose.

Q&A with Farah Radwan

Where did you grow up? Can you tell us a little about your educational journey?

I grew up in Jordan, a small country where education is deeply valued, and from an early age, I found joy in learning and sharing knowledge with others. In high school, I was part of the school’s morning broadcast team, where I shared interesting facts and new information with my classmates. That experience sparked a lasting passion for communication and teaching. Finishing my final year of high school in Richmond, Va., marked a significant transition and continued my journey of growth and exploration. I went on to complete both my bachelor’s and Ph.D. degrees at VCU. As an undergraduate, I worked as a teaching assistant, a role I genuinely looked forward to each week. In graduate school, serving as a teaching assistant became one of the most fulfilling parts of my academic experience. Now, after 15 years of teaching, returning to VCU as a faculty member is more than a career milestone; it is a deeply personal homecoming to the place that shaped me as both a learner and an educator.

When did you first fall in love with your field of study? What made you decide to work in academia?

I’ve always known I wanted to teach, but my love for chemistry developed gradually as I grew into the field. In high school, I was drawn to the way chemistry explained the world around me. It made sense and sparked my curiosity. During my undergraduate studies at VCU, I had the privilege of working with the late Dr. Lidia Vallarino, whose passion for chemistry, for knowledge and for life radiated beyond the walls of her lab, and being in that environment sparked something in me. It was in her lab that I learned a powerful lesson: a lab experiment is not just about reaching a result, it’s about the experience, the curiosity, the process of understanding and the joy of discovery. Later, during my graduate research in Dr. Everett Carpenter’s lab, I experienced firsthand the real-world impact of chemistry. It was there where I learned that creativity lies at the heart of science, a lesson that continues to shape the way I teach and think. These moments affirmed my decision to pursue academia, a place where I could continue learning while inspiring others on their own scientific journeys.

Can you talk a little about your teaching philosophy? What do you most like about teaching?

From an early age, I was inspired by the transformative role educators play in shaping students’ lives. Over the past 15 years as a university professor, I’ve remained committed to creating engaging, inclusive learning environments that bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world application. I believe students learn best when they see the relevance of their studies beyond the classroom, which is why I incorporate interactive teaching methods and modern technologies to foster curiosity and critical thinking. My approach has also been deeply shaped by the example of my mentor, Professor Deborah Polo, whose unwavering dedication to student learning, mastery and continued success demonstrated the profound impact of investing time, energy, support and creativity on academic excellence. Teaching is a dynamic and evolving journey that challenges me to grow alongside my students. My goal is to not only support their academic success, but to empower them with the confidence, resilience and passion for learning that will serve them long after they leave my classroom.

What attracted you to VCU? What are you most excited about in regards to VCU and Richmond?

What attracted me to VCU is the strong sense of community, support and academic excellence that I experienced firsthand as both an undergraduate and a graduate student. It was in the chemistry department at VCU where I discovered my passion for chemistry, where I was mentored by inspiring faculty and where I learned the value of student-centered teaching. Returning as a faculty member feels deeply meaningful — it’s not just a place I studied, but a place that shaped who I am as a person and educator. I’m most excited to contribute to the same vibrant environment that once supported my own growth and to be part of a university that values innovation, community and real-world impact. Richmond itself adds to that excitement, with its rich history, strong sense of culture and welcoming community that continues to offer opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

Can you tell us either a quirky fact about yourself or some of your hobbies?

I love mystery novels, I think it ties back to why I enjoy chemistry, solving problems, following clues and uncovering what’s beneath the surface.