Rate My Professor Nghi Thai,

Dr. Nghi Thai is a Professor and Assistant Chairperson in the Psychological Science department within the Psychology faculty at Central Connecticut State University, with a main academic specialty in community psychology. She joined the university in 2012 and has since become a pivotal figure in teaching, research, and academic leadership. Dr. Thai teaches foundational and advanced courses, including Introduction to Psychology, Intergroup Relations, and graduate seminars in Community Psychology. Her teaching is distinguished by dynamic and creative methods that effectively engage students, promote active learning, and support their educational growth, as evidenced by her selection as Psychology Professor of the Year and receipt of the Excellence in Teaching Award for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Dr. Thai's research interests center on community psychology, where she employs ecological systems theory and community-based participatory research approaches to investigate and address community-based issues. As a Research Aligned Mentor, she advises students on aligning their scholarly work with practical community applications. In service to the university, she serves as co-chair of the Faculty Senate Community Engagement Committee, has previously acted as Chair of the Psychological Science faculty, and represented AAUP in affirmative action communications. Her contributions extend to multiple programs, including faculty for the Psychology MA Community Track, Gerontology Minor, and Community Engagement Minor, where she oversees internships such as CEN 402. Dr. Thai participates in key university initiatives, including sabbatical review committees, the Strategic Plan 2030 development, the 47th Annual Honors Award Program, and the Center for Community Engagement & Social Research. She engages publicly through events like the Lunar New Year celebration and by submitting testimony to Connecticut legislative committees, such as opposition to Senate Bill 396. Through these efforts, Dr. Thai significantly influences the academic field of psychology, fostering community engagement and student success at Central Connecticut State University.