Chongqing - Since arriving in Chongqing in 2018, Frank Stonier, an American professor at Southwest University, has embraced the city as his "first hometown." As a professor at the Faculty of Education and the Dean of the STEAM Interdisciplinary International Educational Research Center, he has profoundly impacted education and the local community.  

Frank became widely known to Chongqing residents in 2022 after volunteering during the Beibei Jinyun Mountain fires. Riding on the back of a motorcycle with a chainsaw in hand, his participation in the rescue efforts earned him admiration across the city. Reflecting on the experience, Frank says he was surprised by the attention but considers giving back to his community a natural responsibility.  

In addition to his volunteer work, Frank is passionate about advancing STEAM education in China. As the pioneer of a national STEAM course for Chinese education majors, he emphasizes creativity. “It’s okay to be wrong or make mistakes,” he said, “because you learn from them and create something better.” Frank’s commitment to fostering innovation extends beyond his classroom. He has co-authored a bilingual textbook to help educators across China and potentially in other Belt and Road Initiative countries incorporate STEAM principles into their teaching.  

Frank's dedication to education goes hand in hand with his love for Chongqing. Over the years, he has visited 40 to 50 schools, interacted with thousands of teachers, and worked closely with rural elementary schools. For Frank, the city's combination of opportunity, safety, and potential for growth makes it an ideal place to live and work.

“Chongqing has everything,” he said. “A stable economy, incredible natural beauty, and an inclusive community. It’s where I feel I can do something meaningful.” Frank envisions a bright future for the city, confident that its unique advantages will soon bring it greater international recognition.  

Today, as he raises his daughter in Chongqing and contributes to its education system, Frank does not doubt his choice to call the city home. “I’ve seen a lot of potential here,” he said. “I can collect a paycheck anywhere, but here, I can make a real difference.”

(Zhou Junjie, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)