Get to Know HFC: Dr. Fadia Cudry sees chemistry as a central science

Initially, HFC chemistry instructor Dr. Fadia Cudry’s aptitude for mathematics made her want to become a mathematician, but she realized that chemistry was “much more fun.”

“I’ve always liked math and science,” said Cudry. “When I attended Ghobeiry Public High School for Girls in Lebanon, I had an excellent chemistry teacher named Ms. Fakih, who was very personable. Because of her, chemistry made sense; she inspired me to go into chemistry. What really hit home for me was the lab component. Chemistry applies math in a day-to-day setting.”

Janice Gilliland, Dean of the HFC School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), is excited that Cudry is a full-time faculty member as of the Winter 2025 semester.

“The School of STEM is pleased to welcome Dr. Fadia Cudry on a full-time basis,” said Gilliland. “Since joining as an adjunct instructor in the Fall 2022 semester, she has made significant contributions to the classroom, campus life, and the broader community. Dr. Cudry has generously shared her expertise by serving as a judge at local and regional science competitions, volunteering at the Zaman Hope for Humanity Run Walk, and participating in various other initiatives that support students both academically and personally. It has been a pleasure collaborating with her on projects, and I look forward to many more fruitful partnerships in the future.”

First in her family to earn a bachelor's degree and a doctorate

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Cudry is the fourth of five children. She immigrated to the United States in 2009 and settled in Dearborn, where she lives with her two daughters, 11 and 9.

Cudry earned her bachelor's degree in chemistry from the Lebanese University and her Ph.D. in chemistry from Wayne State University. She speaks fluent English and Arabic and conversational French. Cudry is the first in her family to earn a college degree and the first in her family to earn a doctorate, which she finds truly humbling.

“It begins in Lebanon, where growing up amidst a war zone instilled in me a profound sense of resilience and determination. Despite the uncertainty and adversity of my surroundings, my family’s unwavering support and belief in the power of education motivated me to persevere,” explained Cudry. “My journey through college was marked by hard work and the constant need to balance academics with financial responsibilities. To support myself, I took on various jobs, often juggling multiple roles to make ends meet. This experience taught me valuable lessons in time management, perseverance, and the importance of staying focused on my goals, no matter the obstacles.”

Pursuing a Ph.D. was a continuation of this journey. It was an opportunity to delve deeper into the field Cudry was so passionate about. It required dedication, late nights, and moments of self-doubt, but the drive to achieve something greater kept her going.

“Being the first in my family to reach these educational milestones is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the power of hard work and determination,” she said. “My journey is a reminder that humble beginnings do not define one's destiny. Armed with perseverance and a supportive community, anyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve their dreams. I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to inspire others, especially women facing similar challenges, to pursue their own educational journeys with confidence and courage.”

Connecting with students on a personal level and understanding cultural dynamics

Cudry’s mother, who was a paraprofessional at an elementary school in Beirut, inspired her passion for learning, which led Cudry to become a teacher.

“Growing up, I witnessed her interactions with former students and the positive impact she made in their lives and the community, leaving a lasting impression on me,” recalled Cudry. “Seeing firsthand how a dedicated teacher can help students grow, mature, and reach their full potential motivated me to follow in her footsteps.”

Over the years, Cudry developed a fascination with how people learn, particularly the role of metacognition in education.

“I am intrigued by the process of helping students become aware of their own learning strategies and how to improve them,” she said. “Teaching chemistry allows me to not only share my love for the subject but also to equip students with the skills to think critically about their own learning processes, fostering independent and lifelong learning.”

Cudry has been teaching for seven years. Before coming to HFC, she taught at Wayne State, the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and Schoolcraft College.

“I am truly honored and excited about this new opportunity at HFC,” said Cudry. “Teaching full-time at HFC offers a special opportunity to connect with students on a personal level, especially as someone who shares similar experiences and backgrounds with many of them. Living in Dearborn, I feel a strong connection to the community that HFC serves, and I know firsthand the unique challenges and opportunities present in this vibrant area.”

She continued: “Many students at HFC come from diverse backgrounds and are navigating educational pathways as first-generation college students. Having grown up in Beirut, I can relate to their experiences and understand the cultural dynamics at play. This shared background helps me connect with students more deeply, build trust, and create a comfortable learning environment where they feel understood and supported.”

HFC allows Cudry to give back, inspire, and nurture future leaders

As someone who understands the challenges that can accompany pursuing higher education while balancing cultural expectations and responsibilities, Cudry finds herself in a position to offer empathy and guidance to her students. She can provide the support they need to navigate their educational journeys while empowering them to leverage their unique backgrounds as strengths.

“Serving as a role model to students who see elements of their own lives in my journey is incredibly rewarding,” she said. “I aim to inspire them by showing that success is possible, encouraging them to embrace both their community's values and the opportunities presented through education. This representation is crucial in helping students envision and pursue their aspirations confidently.”

Cudry continued: “Teaching at HFC not only impacts individual students but also strengthens the ties within the broader Dearborn community. By fostering a supportive, inclusive environment that acknowledges and respects students’ diverse experiences, I contribute to the College’s mission of promoting educational equity and success for all. Through these elements, teaching at HFC is more than just an educational role for me – it is a chance to give back, inspire, and nurture future leaders within the community I hold dear.”

Chemistry is a “central” science

HFC chemistry instructor Chuck Irish spoke highly of Cudry.

"I got to know Fadia well over the Fall 2024 semester at HFC,” said Irish. “She is creative and willing to try new teaching strategies. Her experiences teaching at other schools makes her a valuable instructor at HFC."

Teaching combines Cudry’s love of chemistry and her love of working with students.

“To me, chemistry is a central science; it combines biology, physics, and math into one science. It’s a hard subject, but my goal is to make sure that it’s an interesting subject, not a scary one,” she said. “I love seeing my students feel that ‘I can do it!’ Education really does transform lives!”

Cudry recognizes that being an educator means providing a supportive environment where students feel valued and encouraged. It's about building relationships and a sense of community that supports student wellbeing and engagement.

“I am committed to being an advocate and mentor for my students, addressing their diverse needs and helping them overcome personal and academic challenges,” said Cudry. “For me, the greatest reward of teaching is sharing in the success of my students – not only in their grasp of complex chemistry concepts but also in their development as reflective, resilient, and socially responsible individuals.”

For Cudry, the best part of teaching at HFC is the relationships between faculty and students.

“I am close to my students; nobody is isolated here at the College. Our students are not a number here; they are people we care about. We openly share our successes and happiness with each other,” said Cudry. “When working with colleagues, it’s easy for ideas to be adopted and implemented. I am really impressed by the diversity on this campus. We are a community and Dearborn – particularly HFC – epitomizes that feeling that we are a community. Dearborn has welcomed my daughters and me with open arms. I enjoy giving back to Dearborn. It’s a place where I feel we belong.”