After a short break for knee surgery, host Casandra Eames returns to Up Close with a special guest: Dr. Zhengyuan Zhu, professor in the nation’s oldest statistics department at Iowa State University. In this intimate and engaging conversation, Dr. Zhu shares his journey from China to Ames, and what drew him to a career in statistics and life in a small Midwestern city. With his children growing up, Dr. Zhu now spends his weekends on the badminton court, a pastime that brings him joy and connection. He also reflects on how Ames has evolved during his time here, becoming increasingly diverse and vibrant. Casandra and Dr. Zhu talk about the rhythms of academic life, the surprising joys of a changing family dynamic, and the sense of community that keeps people rooted in Ames.   If you'd like to be featured on Up Close, contact Casandra Eames in the City Manager’s Office or email her at Casandra.Eames@CityofAmes.org.   The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views of the City of Ames or its employees.