The Brief Questionnaire is inspired by the Proust Questionnaire, invented by noted French author Marcel Proust. Enjoy the latest edition with Viann Nguyen-Feng, an associate professor of psychology at the Duluth campus.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Joy and acceptance

What drew you to your profession?

Values of curiosity and inclusivity

What do you consider the greatest benefit of working at the University?

Being part of UMN’s Driven to Discover platform

What is the quality you most like in a person?

Graciousness and presence

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“It depends”

When and where were you happiest?

Here and now

What do you value most about higher education?

Being in a space that cultivates and energizes creativity

Which talent would you most like to have?

The ability to pick up languages

How would you describe your campus in just one word?

Interconnected

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

A tail-wagging dog

What traits do you most value in your coworkers?

Care and humor

Where would you most like to live?

By a body of water

What is your most treasured possession?

Wellbeing

What is your favorite place on your campus? 

Mind-Body Trauma Care Lab

Which University building do you most identify with?

Cina Hall

Which UMN mascot is your favorite? 

When I was on the Twin Cities campus—Goldy the Gopher. Now, Champ the Bulldog is #1.

What is it that you most dislike?

Passive aggressiveness

What is your motto?

No one and no thing are worth stealing your peace

Maroon or gold?

Gold