Spring 2025 Graduate: Dr. Xiaoxi (Sophie) Cui

Name: Xiaoxi (Sophie) Cui

Major/Degree Program: Master of Arts in Education – Adult Education

Hometown/Current City: Qingdao/Greenville, NC

Hobbies/interests: Reading, baking, and playing with my kids

What’s your favorite memory from your time at ECU? One of my favorite memories is receiving birthday cards from the students I worked with. As a dental faculty member and group leader for 17 third-year dental students in the clinics, I was truly touched when my students surprised me with a card that they had all signed and presented to me on my birthday.

What inspired you to pursue a career in education? What inspired me to pursue a career in education was the opportunity to work alongside talented colleagues and inspiring students. I am also motivated by the ability to directly apply what I learn to my work, whether it is treating dental patients, using educational theories to enhance my teaching, or conducting both clinical and educational research. It is the ongoing collaboration, inspiration, and learning that truly motivate me in my career in education.

Who has made the biggest impact on your journey here? The students I have taught have made the biggest impact on my journey here. While I am teaching them, I am also constantly learning from them. It is incredibly rewarding to see how much they grow by the end of the year, and it inspires me to continue growing as an educator as well.

What’s next after graduation? After graduation, I plan to continue my journey as a dental clinician and clinical faculty member, and I’m looking forward to growing my skills and knowledge in both dentistry and education.

What advice would you give to future College of Education students? Take full advantage of the course content and build strong relationships with your faculty members—they are knowledgeable, supportive, and truly want to help you succeed.

How has the College of Education prepared you for the classroom (or your next step?) It opened a door for me and led me into the field of education, helping me think from the perspective of an educator rather than just as a dental clinician.

From Dr. Steve Schmidt (professor in adult education): Sophie is faculty in ECU’s School of Dental Medicine. She is using what she has learned in our program to teach the next generation of dentists in eastern North Carolina.