Grad Student Spotlight
Do you know a graduate student deserving of the spotlight? Email Shana Bagley and let the Office of Graduate Services know!
Sujit Gaddam | Master’s in Computer Science
By Georgia Brieske
Sujit Gaddam is in his second year of his master’s program in computer science at Georgia State. He is from Hyderabad, India, where he earned his bachelor's in information technology from Anurag University.
He finds his Georgia State education very different from his undergrad experience.
“It’s not just reading. I can create new stuff, make stuff, and design software. In India studying was different… After coming here most of it is practical, we have to do it on our own. Initially I found it difficult, but what I found out was I learned much more than what I learned in India. The hands-on experience helped me a lot.”
Although he didn’t know a lot about it before applying, Gaddam quickly discovered that he really enjoys Georgia State’s computer science program.
“In the program there are always new challenges, different problems to solve using coding. Initially we won’t understand the problem, how it’s done and everything, but after you get into it and solve it little by little, you get that satisfaction and sense of achievement, it’s a very good experience.”
Another thing he likes about the program is getting to collaborate with different academic departments. Gaddam started a human computer interaction project while in India, which designed software for amputees.
“We can control the mouse of a computer using our eyes and facial gestures. If I move my eyes left the mouse goes left, if I move them right the mouse goes right, and if you open your mouth it closes.”
The project took off greatly when he came to Atlanta.
“I was able to directly talk to people here that would be using my software. That was the hardest part for me to figure out when I was in India, but after I came here and got to collaborate with different departments, I got new ideas and inspiration. It took off greatly after I came to a different environment.”
In addition to amputees, Gaddam has helped hundreds of students with his computer science background. He has an assistantship in the Office of Graduate Services in the College of Arts and Sciences, where he develops LaTeX software, which helps graduate students format their scholarly work.
“LaTeX is when you just change the code here and there to generate the word document template by itself and you don’t need to focus much on the formatting. So, people who are preparing their thesis or dissertation will be more focused on the presentation and content. Formatting should come at the latter end and shouldn’t take too much of their time.”
He enjoys seeing the results of his hard work when he reviews formatting submissions.
“Many students have used my template. I feel good about it and feel that I helped them in some way by developing something for them.”
I asked Gaddam for his advice for other international students who are new to Georgia State University.
“Embrace the diverse culture. Georgia State provides a lot of resources for international students, be on the lookout for those resources, get help if you are facing issues. Explore the community, not only on campus – being a part of a community outside Georgia State will enhance your academic experience.”
The last part of his guidance applies to students of all backgrounds. Personally, he has found a place to explore his interests in yoga and meditation off campus at Art of Living in Sandy Springs.
“When I try to do this stuff by myself, I’m not very consistent. Some days I miss it, some days I go off track and lose motivation, but if other people are doing it with you, it motivates you and gives you confidence and belonging that you are part of something and benefits you in the long run.”
This community not only enhanced his life, but also connected him with people who could further develop his academic work that impacts the lives of others.
“There were people coming to meditate who were amputees, so I talked to them, and they let me test my software on them.”
Gaddam graduates from Georgia State this May and is currently on the lookout for software engineer and software developer related jobs. He’s interested in working for a growing company rather than a multinational organization.
“When you work at a big company, you will definitely impact a lot of people, but you won’t know the impact directly,” he said. “When I work in a startup, it will be right in front of me.”
His tentative plan is to work for a few years, and then move back to India.
“I like to manage things, so I’m hoping that I’ll be able to start a company of my own someday,” he said.
Do you know a graduate student deserving of the spotlight? Email Shana Bagley and let the Office of Graduate Services know!
PREVIOUS GRADUATE STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
Brooklyn Aaron | Master of Public Health and Religious Studies
By Bria Suggs
In her undergraduate years, Brooklyn Aaron earned a degree in Global Studies, an experience that she described as making her a better person, which has been helpful in her current studies. She’s presently in the midst of her first year on a dual-track as a Master’s in Public Health and Religious Studies student.
“My job is to figure out what the good thing is and to do everything in my power to make sure I do the good thing,” Aaron said.
Before coming to Georgia State, Aaron originally started her graduate student journey at the University of Georgia. However, there were opportunities exclusive to Georgia State that convinced her to switch paths.
“I did not initially choose religious studies,” Aaron said.
When she learned of the Wellstar fellowship, it was an opportunity she had to consider.
“There are a very limited amount of bioethics fellowships in the United States,” Aaron said. “When I found it, I reached out hoping that they would accept someone from a different degree program and they don’t.”
So, Aaron reached out to Dr. Molly Bassett, current graduate director and department chair of Religious Studies, to explain her interest in the fellowship. Bassett was able to convince Aaron to apply to Georgia State’s program in order to have a chance of getting the fellowship.
“I applied to the program last minute, got accepted, and ended up getting the fellowship,” Aaron said.
So far, Aaron has enjoyed her time as a Wellstar fellow.
“It’s a fellowship that brings ideas to take religious studies into different areas of public life,” Aaron said. “So in that fellowship specifically, we’re bringing it into the health care system through bioethics.”
Aaron described bioethics as being broken up into three categories. The first is clinical ethics.
“We have clinical ethics where you are going with different ethics consultation cases. So if a patient doesn’t have a surrogate decision-maker available, then we would be consulted to help with that case,” Aaron said. “We also get consulted in do not attempt to resuscitate orders. It’s very case-specific in the clinical setting.”
The second category is organizational ethics.
“We basically look at health care systems,” Aaron said. “Health care systems are massive systems. In any massive system, there are bound to be major potentials for bad things to happen. So we look at ways as an organization to make sure we stick to the values and the mission statement of our organization.”
The final category is research ethics.
“We do less of that at Wellstar, but I am particularly interested in research ethics. We actually just did get an acceptance letter for a publication that I am the first author on for the American Journal of Bioethics,” Aaron said.
Aaron described the American Journal of Bioethics as being a “really high-impact journal”.
“It’s one of the most commonly used in the field of bioethics,” Aaron said. “Me and two other people, the vice president of ethics at Wellstar and one of the clinical ethicists on staff, did a paper on informed consent and organ donor research.”
Their research is important to the field of bioethics and to learn more about an area that not much has been discovered yet.
“We do a lot of research on deceased donor organs, but it gets complicated with living donors, and we need to do more research,” Aaron said. “We need to know how to make living organ donation better and make the organ function longer. But no one knows how to go about it in the most ethical way.”
Aaron is currently working on submitting another publication in which she is also the first author.
That publication is about a study she did with nurse leaders.
“We used a very new ethics education pool and combined it with a lecture,” Aaron said.
Georgia State has helped Aaron prepare for her future in bioethics because a lot of people make their healthcare decisions based on their personal values.
“Religious Studies is a great place to be for that because, especially in Georgia, we have a lot of people who make their decisions on their religious and spiritual beliefs,” Aaron said.
One of the reasons that she chose Georgia State for her master’s degree is the unique nature of the religious studies program.
“The coursework in this program is very different than I’ve experienced in other graduate religious studies programs. When they say they have an applied focus, they are not kidding,” Aaron said. “People come in with very different interests. It’s not people who are just interested in religious studies from a historical perspective. It’s people who want to do stuff with this and the courses are geared towards that. There are so many different course offerings.”
The applied focus aspect of the program is her favorite part. Aaron is glad to be able to follow her interests in all of her classes.
After she graduates with her master’s degree, Aaron plans to move into a staff role in bioethics. She pursued this field because of her logical nature and hopes to be able to help her community with her degree.
“We have a small community hospital health system where I live called Tanner Health System,” Aaron said. “I’m really dedicated to my community and the good of my community, so I would love to be able to work there. I wouldn’t mind working at Wellstar, but if I can do good for my community that I’m in every day, I would love to do that.”
Aaron is looking forward to an upcoming opportunity that was presented to her through Georgia State. She’s earned the chance to speak on COVID-19 vaccine allocation, “which is really cool and something master’s students don’t get to do often.”
She shared some advice for prospective students. Her first piece of advice is to always reach out to professors when you need help.
“They’ll respond,” Aaron said. “They want to hear from you.”
Aaron also strongly recommended taking a class with Dr. Kathryn McClymond if the opportunity arises. She explained that McClymond doesn’t teach often, so if she’s offering a course, take advantage of that opportunity.
Overall, Aaron is grateful for her time spent at Georgia State.
“[Georgia State has] prepared me to look at absolutely everything in the world from so many lenses,” Aaron said. “That’s really relevant for ethics, but also everything.”
Kallol Kumar Bhattacharyya
Program: Master’s Program in Gerontology
Previous Education: Medical Graduate (Family Physician) from Kolkata, India
How did you become interested in Gerontology?
In my professional practice, the majority of my patients were older adults suffering from chronic diseases, and a large number had dementia. They were mostly neglected and helpless. As a clinician, I was serving the poor in India with dedication, but coming towards the midpoint of my career, I realized that as just a clinician I can’t make major changes in society. I want to have the education needed to reach beyond medical model treatments and give older adults a complete management that maximizes their life while living with dementia. This is why I took the chance to come to the United States and in many ways, have just begun to learn the subject gerontology.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I’m particularly focused on person-centered care and taking a leadership role in the management of dementia, for both the care receiver and the care partner. I’m also interested in some alternative therapeutic interventions on Alzheimer’s and related dementias with cross-cultural experiences.
What made you decide to attend Georgia State University?
I selected Georgia State because I’ve been influenced by the way this state is undergoing a revolutionary progress in the management of aging and dementia. In selecting Georgia State University, I’ve been influenced by the way their research programs are addressed. Also, the availability of public transport, the comfortable weather, and pre-admission encouragement from Georgia State people influenced me a lot in my decision making.
How has being an international student impacted your educational journey?
Being a doctor, I always wanted to create a new pathway to help older adults and people living with dementia. Therefore, I decided to pursue a master’s degree in gerontology at Georgia State University. This step was a huge gamble for me, as I’m a family man and I did not have that much in savings to support us during this educational program. But, I have a strong desire to experience graduate school in the United States, and a motivation towards professional responsibility for older adults, so I took that risk.
What challenges have you faced adapting to a new culture and environment?
I’m a medical doctor practicing for nearly two decades in India, so this was initially a big problem to adjust to the transition from a physician’s life to a student’s life. Georgia State’s multicultural environment helped me a lot in this transition. But still today, the U.S. medical system is a complex structure for me.
What does your family like about Atlanta?
My son is very much enjoying his elementary school here, and we are enjoying MARTA and the comfortable weather of Atlanta. There are plenty of places for a short weekend tour also.
What class have you enjoyed most? Why?
The class I’ve enjoyed most so far was the seminar in gerontology. On one hand, I got an overview of the subject through this class, and on the other hand, the way our instructor Professor Burgess (Director, Gerontology Institute) guided us in the class was totally a new experience for me. It was an involving class in both ways, as I’ve shared many thoughts from Indian culture and tradition (and realized Indian traditional culture is still under-represented to the Western world in many issues).
What is your advice to other international students considering Georgia State?
In my opinion, there are many more options to start, adjust, and lead a comfortable life in Atlanta (the students coming with family also), and the Georgia State multicultural environment (including staff, students and professors) make it easier to feel that we’re not very far from our home.
Anh Dao
Program: Master’s Program in Department of Communication
Previous Education: Bachelors of Economics from Foreign Trade University in Vietnam.
Professional Experience: TV Presenter & Editor at the Department for Youth (VTV6); Television Producer and Host
How did you become interested in your field of study?
Watching television as a child in Vietnam, I wanted to become a host myself, and that was my very first step into the television industry. All these years, the passion has been tested multiple times, but I still see myself coming back to work related to mass communication. I’ve been able to learn new things along the journey, which makes it even more challenging and worth discovering.
What project have you enjoyed working on most?
Well, so far at GSU, Return to Vietnam is my first project. In mid-March, I coordinated a trip for Professor Judson, Managing Director of GSUTV, to travel to Vietnam, work with Vietnam National Television, attend the 50th Remembrance Ceremony of the My Lai Massacre, and talk with journalism students in Vietnam. Professor Judson has been making it a very meaningful and knowledgeable project to be a part of. I am very excited to dig deeper into the production of it.
Return to Vietnam is the follow-up to an earlier project, Remembering Vietnam, which can be viewed at https://youtu.be/bULIvgTYLew. |
What kind of work are you doing as a research and lab assistant?
As a lab assistant, I work at the Langdale Video Check Out Lab where I am responsible for inventory and checking out media equipment to digital journalism students. It’s actually a very interesting job where I get to assist students and learn about their recent projects in digital journalism classes. As a research assistant for the Mobilizing Media project at the Global Studies Institute (GSI), I am working on a storyline for GSI on GSUTV.
How has being an international student impacted your educational journey?
This has been a wonderful educational journey for me so far. Since I majored in something totally different from my work experience, the M.A. program at GSU Department of Communication is a great chance for me to reflect back on my practical experience and also discover a broad range of issues and perspectives in communication.
What challenges have you faced adapting to a new culture and environment?
The imposter syndrome is always there. I’m always afraid I won’t be good enough for the classes. I also feel that with the opportunities I have been given here at out department, I need to try harder to not let myself, as well as our dedicated professors and staff, down.
What is your advice to other international students considering GSU?
GSU and the Department of Communication are great places to be an international student. The courses are diverse; the professors I’ve had classes with are very learned in their fields, and they try their hardest to passionately pass on their knowledge and experience. And you never have to worry about opportunities— there are tons of them. It’s just up to you to grasp at those opportunities and excel. Best of luck!
Precious Imhansi-Jacob | Master of Biology Medical Sciences Program
By Bria Suggs
One day, when he was only six years old, Precious Imhansi Jacob, who goes by PTOD, was met with an experience that would inspire his future. There were protestors outside on a stormy night in Nigeria, and one was hit by a car. Sitting in the backseat, PTOD was able to watch his mom, who was a nurse, spring into action.
“She was able to bring the person in the backseat really quickly because she had to get them to the hospital and I had to hold the person’s bloody head with gauze,” he said. “ I saw the blood on my hands and was like “wow”. The person ended up being okay at the end of the day.”
Despite his mother’s unfortunate passing in 2016, she remains the main inspiration for PTOD today. Seeing firsthand the power of saving a life made him want to pursue a future in the medical field.
PTOD started on the Clarkston Perimeter campus as a biology major before transferring to the Atlanta campus to finish his undergraduate degree. Now 23 years old, he is in his second year of his master’s program in Medical Sciences, a biology concentration.
According to Georgia State’s graduate degree program website, the Medical sciences program is “designed to help students be better prepared to apply to medical school”. Students in this program have a 90% acceptance rate into medical school.
In his undergraduate years, he was the vice-president of Clarkston’s Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society and taught as a TA. He also received several awards for his work in chemistry and math. One of the projects he earned an award for was his work with water.
“At the perimeter campus, I did some water analysis research. [It was] like field research, where we took some water samples from different places around the metropolitan area and we tested for nitrates, sulfates, phosphates, and the water ion levels,” PTOD said.
He got third-place for that project.
In his last two years as a graduate student, PTOD has been branching out and trying new things such as acting and modeling. His primary focus however is the cancer research that he’s doing with a team in the Petit Science Center.
“We try to utilize a certain organelle in the cells to distinguish how diseased or prognosed the patient is,” PTOD said. “We look at certain kinds of markers and protein level expressions of this kind of organelle that characterizes its prevalence.”
PTOD noted that the work that he’s currently doing hasn’t been done before. He and his team also recently published a paper titled “Hypoxia-Induced Centrosome Amplification Underlies Aggressive Disease Course in HPV-Negative Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinomas”. The paper is about how he’s using centrosomes, an organelle in all cells, and its level of amplification to help with therapeutic decision making for HPV-negative oral cancer patients and can serve as a therapeutic target.
After he completes his master’s program, PTOD plans on taking six months to prepare for the MCAT before applying to M.D. Ph.D. programs. He’s not certain what exactly he wants to do career-wise quite yet, as he has interests in research and working with hospitals.
“I want to do surgery, I’m sure exactly what yet, but I know I want to do surgery,” PTOD said. “I want to be able to put a footing in the industry and push forward the biology community.”
Whatever his future may hold, he wants to be a part of research in the biology field and help it continue to move forward. He’s currently considering becoming a clinical oncologist, which would suit many of his interests.
One of his favorite aspects of the biology department is the professors.
“They’ve been really, really good teachers in regard to getting the information to the students in a way that it’s meaningful,” PTOD said.
PTOD feels as though Georgia State has prepared him well so far for his career.
“[Georgia State has] prepared me for a plethora of possible biology-related jobs through the list of talkers from which they invite different schools and companies to bring awareness about these opportunities via seminar classes I took,” he said. “Faculty members such as Dr. Ulrich, Dr. Eilertson, Dr. Aneja, and Dr. Mittal have helped me a lot especially in giving me advice and furthering my studies thus far as a master's student, and hopefully as a future medical doctor.”
His tip to future biology students is to “always ask questions” and “make sure that you try to make the best of the time you have with the professor.”
Asmita Karanjit
Program: Master’s Program in the Department of Gerontology
Previous Education: B.S. in Nursing from Kathmandu University, Nepal (2014)
Professional Interest: I want to work for community organizations, creating community programs for the benefit of older adults and educating them on their healthcare needs.
How did you become interested in your field of study?
During my student life and when I started working as a health professional, I got to work with patients of different age groups. Working in a critical area such as the Intensive Care Unit, I got the opportunity to provide direct care to elders suffering from various acute and chronic disease conditions. I realized that I greatly enjoyed working with older adults. I enjoy listening to their life experiences, hearing their history, encouraging them to express their fears, and providing emotional support and reassurance. I was curious why some people aged healthier and more successfully while others face chronic disability and illness. With the success of scientific and medical advancements, people are living longer lives. I think the study of older adults and aging has never been as important as it is now.
What made you decide to attend Georgia State University?
After I decided to pursue my Master’s in gerontology, I researched universities offering the degree. There are not many universities offering this course in my country, so I started researching universities in the U.S. and found Georgia State. I found the courses and requirements very interesting. There were also various opportunities for students to be involved in volunteering, student organizations, and organizations in the field of aging. I was very fortunate to get offered a Graduate Research Assistantship, which I thought would be a great opportunity for me to learn and gain new experience.
How has being an international student impacted your educational journey?
Being an international student is a tough journey, especially when English is not your first language. Coming from a whole different culture and society, I became overwhelmed and intimidated with new environment and new education system. But the Gerontology Institute at Georgia State is like a family. The professors, staff, and colleagues are very understanding, helpful and supportive, making my journey a lot easier. After completing my first semester here at Georgia State, I now feel more comfortable with the system.
What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned?
At first everything surprised me because I was in a new environment. A surprising thing I have noticed would be classroom differences. In my country, the education or teaching technique is mostly lecture based, which is less interactive. Here, all the classes are interactive and discussion based, which I think is better. We are provided with the syllabus and readings beforehand, which help us prepare for the discussion in class.
What is your advice to other international students considering Georgia State?
Moving to a different country for further studies is a huge change. Georgia State University provides a warm and friendly environment. There are lots of opportunities for students to be involved in organizations, volunteering, scholarship, and assistantships, which can help in your future career. Professors and staff are supportive and helpful, making the transition to new culture and environment easier. The International Student and Scholar Service Office and international student organizations can provide any advice you need.
Suzanne Litrel
Program: Doctoral Program in Department of History
Previous Education: B.A. Economics, University of Michigan & M.A. Chinese Studies, University of Michigan
How did you become interested in your field of study?
I actually backed into history by accident. With the exception of APUSH (Advanced Placement United States History), I hated social studies in high school—at my school we had World Civilization I (9th grade) and II (10th grade). Basically, all we did was copy down what the teacher wrote on the board and memorize everything for the tests. We learned about “significant events” which basically focused on battles fought by European men. It was easy, because all I had to do was memorize the notes, but I didn’t take one history class as an undergraduate, and I only took one graduate history course (when I earned my M.A.).
Later, I made a career transition from business to teaching public high school, which I loved. At first, I hoped to become an English teacher, as I originally set out to be a literature major in college. But when I took my transcripts to the state board certification office, I was told the fastest route to teaching was through social studies because of my economics degree.
I was originally hired to teach economics, and I did for my fourteen years as a public high school teacher in New York—I taught on-level (with an inclusion class) and honors, with a heavy emphasis on microeconomics, which was a lot of fun. But as a public high school teacher, I also had to be ready to teach any course my chair gave me. That meant 9th and 10th grade global history, then within a few years, AP world history and eventually IB 20th century. I was terrified, especially with APWH’s low national pass rate. The teacher I replaced told me not to worry, most of the class would fail. That was unacceptable to me! So as with all my preps, I spent hours in the library looking for interesting material to capture my students’ imagination and puzzling over how best to engage them. I also had an incredible APWH Summer Institutes instructor, the late Michelle Forman. Because of her, and because of the challenge of teaching APWH, I had to really think about what it meant to “do” history. There was no way my students would pass if I didn’t. So out of total fear of failure as a world history teacher, I fell in love with the subject!
We moved to the Atlanta area in 2012 for my husband’s career. I have also written historical fiction, and thought I’d stick with that while we settled in. But I was restless. The summer of 2013, I walked into the GSU History Department and met with Dr. Perry. I thought I’d take a few classes so I could teach at the college level. But he encouraged me to apply for the Ph.D. program, so I did – and here I am!
What challenges have you faced adapting to a new culture and environment?
As a returning graduate student, I’ve had the challenge—and joy—of navigating through digital world! I earned my M.A. in the early ‘90s, and much has changed about doing research since then!
I have also had a very steep learning curve with regards to what it means to become a historian. My M.A. thesis advisor was a sociologist; my secondary reader was an economist from Michigan’s business school. Also, it’s one thing to teach high school history—it’s another to become a student of history at the graduate level, with nothing but self-taught methods. I knew I’d have to work very, very hard to catch up to my peers. I have taken the long road to find my disciplinary home, and I’m grateful for the support and advice I’ve received along the way.
What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned?
That it’s never too late to return to school. GSU has been wonderful in that regard. I did not think that anyone over 40 was a candidate for graduate school—I’m so glad that’s not true!
What is your trick for getting through finals or a big assignment?
I have a long commute and a family at home, and until recently have also taken on outside work, too. So my trick to getting through finals and/or a big assignment is to set fake deadlines— usually two weeks ahead of a final deadline. I don’t believe in handing work in late. It only makes everyone miserable.
What is your favorite place to study on campus?
Library North, 5th floor—it’s nice and quiet. The cafeteria at the Student Center has cozy booth that are almost always available in the morning—it’s a great place to eat breakfast. And lately, I like Ebrik’s new place—the second floor.
Maria Mackas
Program: PhD in Literary Studies, Department of English
Previous Education: BA in Journalism, University of Georgia (1977) and MA in Literary Studies, Georgia State University(2017)
Research/Professional Interest: The immigrant experience in literature
What inspired you to attend Georgia State?
For many years, I have wanted to be a teacher. I started working with young people at my church in the late 1990s, and realized it was my passion. I helped lead a trip to El Salvador to build a school, and to the Yakima Indian Nation in Washington State to rehab homes. Working side by side with young people changed me profoundly. My grandmother was a teacher who touched many lives – including mine – and I want to follow in her footsteps. This, coupled with my life-long love of literature, led to my decision to earn a Master’s, and now a PhD. I knew Georgia State catered to non-traditional students, and that it was the place for me because I work full-time, and I’m older. GSU has been the perfect choice – I cannot imagine a more supportive, encouraging environment.
How has studying abroad impacted your personal, professional, and/or academic goals?
Thanks to study abroad (I’ll be going on my fourth trip during spring break in March 2019), I’ve been able to earn credits in flexible, accommodating ways. But it’s much more than that: I’ve formed connections with people who love the same things I love: reading, writing, and learning. You really get to know people when you’re with them 24/7. Honestly, I thought I would feel weird because I’m old. But I’ve not just been accepted, I’ve been embraced. The brilliant young people I’ve gotten to know are not just my classmates, they’re my friends. We share dinners, lunches – we text and talk. They have made me truly believe age doesn’t matter. Also, learning from our guides in other countries has helped me learn so much about our country; for example, last year, in Scotland, the overwhelming national pride and solidarity made me painfully aware of the destructive divisiveness in today’s America. Also, I’ve become fascinated and drawn to immigrant populations, and am researching the immigrant experience in literature as I work toward my dissertation.
What are some of the benefits of going to school after gaining experience in the work force?
So many! I am not afraid to ask stupid questions in class. As an undergraduate, I didn’t want to sound dumb, but now I don’t care. My main objective is to learn, and I’m not concerned about what my classmates or my professors think of me. Also, having run my corporate communications business for more than 30 years, I’m accustomed to managing my time, juggling many tasks, meeting deadlines, and burning the midnight oil. Mainly though, I appreciate school so much more now. I’m not just trying to get by – I’m savoring every class.
What are some of the challenges?
As the main breadwinner in our family, going to school while continuing to run my business has been tough. I pretty much have had to work seven days a week, with lots of late nights and early mornings, since I started grad school in Fall 2014. My career has been successful by any measure, but I want more: I want to give back, through teaching. That’s what keeps me going.
Can you speak a little about your MA thesis and the paper that evolved into your thesis?
I have always loved Willa Cather’s work and was excited to re-read My Ántonia in Dr. Audrey Goodman’s Fall 2015 Modern American Fiction class. A paper I wrote in that class – about the tenebraic qualities of Cather’s writing, and art’s profound influence on her work – evolved into my thesis. I was awarded the 2016 Louis Owens Award by the Western Literature Association for that paper.
Josephine Misaro
Program: Master’s Program in Gerontology
Previous Education: Master’s degree in Sociology
Professional Interest: I am a university lecturer in my home country, Kenya. I will continue teaching in a research institution and engaging in research activities aimed at improving quality of life for elders in my society.
How did you become interested in your field of study?
I am a sociologist, and gerontology is a field that focuses on sociology of aging. I have passion for elders/older adults. However, Gerontology program is not taught in Kenya. I want to give back to my society and to elders in particular by impacting to my students through the classroom knowledge I acquire in my current program, towards improvement of quality of life for elders in my society.
What made you decide to attend Georgia State University?
I researched several universities’ websites and picked on Georgia State because the core values here are excellent coupled with the good climate of Atlanta.
How has being an international student impacted your educational journey?
The exposure thus far is priceless. I have learned so much in so little time. Apart from the classroom, Georgia State has many activities for students to indulge in and enjoy cultural diversities. I have participated in several programs outside the classroom including voluntary services.
What class have you enjoyed most? Why?
I look forward to each and every class because instructors are patient with students and teaching here is about sharing and exchanging ideas. At the gerontology institute, there is no wrong or right answer. Instructors encourage participation of all students and pay particular attention to contributions from different cultural backgrounds. I enjoy listening to other students discuss their cultural beliefs.
What is your favorite place to study on campus?
The library is great, but I prefer the private labs in Gerontology Institute. It is quiet with no distractions. The Director is very supportive and allows students to use available rooms for private study. Again, the institute Director is always available for consultation. Students have unparalleled support from staff.
What is your advice to other international students considering Georgia State?
Grab the opportunity without thinking twice. There are no regrets in choosing Georgia State. This is home away from home.
Akshaya Parthasarathy
Program: Master’s Program in the Department of Gerontology
Previous Education: M.A. in Social Work from Tata Institute of Social Sciences in Mumbai, India
Research Interests: Caregiver experiences and challenges with respect to persons with dementia, the aftereffects of disasters on the mental well-being of the elderly, and elder abuse
How did you become interested in your field of study?
During my time at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, I interned at an organization called Dignity Foundation in Mumbai where I worked primarily in two fields pertaining to the elderly: dementia care and elder abuse. My work with the Dignity Foundation as well as my subsequent dissertation which was inspired from my field experiences made me think about further qualifying myself with skills required in the vast multidisciplinary field of gerontology. Though I have had inspiration from the professional field, I also have an inspiration in the form of my grandmother whom I am dearly attached to. I got to witness the dismal state of senior care homes in India, and the various challenges that the elderly could face in terms of inadequate policies for the elderly in India. The main driving factor was the lack of awareness regarding the importance of the elderly as a category of population in India and the wide practice of ageism in India.
What made you decide to attend Georgia State University?
I chose Georgia State University due to the amazing curriculum that they had designed for graduate students. Georgia State University is also one of the top 8 universities for Gerontology in the world, which factored as a major reason!
What class have you enjoyed most? Why?
“Death, Dying and Loss” is a very refreshing subject (contrary to the grave vibes it might give out) as near-end-of-life communication in hospice care is a neglected field in India that needs more work and awareness.
What is your trick for getting through finals or a big assignment?
My trick for getting through finals or a big assignment would be music. Music is something that gives my brain an automatic trigger of never-ending thoughts while trying to come up with ideas and composing an array of words for big assignments. Music also acts as an active form of de-stressing that lets me sit at big assignments for a longer duration. My big trick for getting through big assignments or finals is also actively voicing out my stress to my fiancé, who is my biggest stressbuster and harbinger of smiles! Catharsis while actively talking about stress lets us handle tasks with renewed optimism and spirits.
What is your advice to other international students considering Georgia State?
Georgia State is an amazing campus with heartwarming faculties who are ever present to make one feel at home. Feeling at home is an important factor when a student leaves their home country to go to a different country to study. So, I would encourage all international students to apply to Georgia State, which has an accepting and friendly atmosphere for people coming from all races, ethnicities, religions, and approaches. And while being at it, I would also strongly encourage other international students interested in the field of gerontology to apply to the department at GSU, for a very warm and hospitable family awaits you!
Maria Del Rosario Gonzalez Pérez
Program: Dual Degree Program (BA/MA) in French, Department of World Languages & Cultures
Research/Professional Interest: I want to work with non-profit organizations as an interpreter and translator helping incoming immigrants and refugees who do not speak English. Also, I am interested in developing strategies to improve language teaching. Some of my research interests are second/third language acquisition and cultural studies.
What inspired you to attend Georgia State?
What inspired me to attend Georgia State is the cultural diversity. I can meet people from different parts of the world, make new friendships, and learn from other cultures—something that I truly enjoy.
How did you get involved in the dual degree program?
I got involved in the program after talking with my French professor and hearing about the benefits of the program. She told me about a student who previously enrolled in the program and now is a Master’s student. I contacted the director of the program, applied, and started taking courses in the summer.
What are some of the benefits of the dual degree program?
Some of the benefits are that we can take 12 credits of graduate course work during our junior/senior year, and the course work counts towards both degrees. This allows us to finish our master’s degree in one year, save money, and be able to use scholarships to pay for tuition.
What is your experience taking graduate courses as an undergraduate student?
I truly enjoy taking graduate courses. Before being enrolled in the program, I was taking French courses as an undergrad with graduate students, so I was used to the amount of work and the pace of the classes. I enjoyed spending time with graduate students, learning from their experiences, and helping each other whenever we can. I believe that’s the best part: we all help each other.
What do you hope to do with your degree?
I mainly want to work as a French teacher at a high school or university, but I would also like to work as an interpreter. I began studying languages because I believed it was a way to help people who are still learning English and who are new to the country. Learning a language goes beyond learning the structure of it; we also must learn the culture and history behind it to be able to truly understand and help others.
What do you enjoy most about your field of study?
I enjoy that I am learning so many different things. Yes, we learn about the structure of the language, but we also get to learn about culture, history, film, performance, and many other topics such as gender studies and theater.
What is your advice for students considering the dual degree program?
My advice is to take this great opportunity to work on both degrees! Do not be afraid of taking graduate courses or to ask for information about it. You will not regret it.
Meghan Stewart Goyer | PhD, Clinical and Community Psychology
By Jaiden Tatum
“Lean into the uncertainty, uncertainty is uncomfortable, but that is part of life. Embrace the discomfort of different things. We do not always understand why things happen the way they do, but it will eventually come to light. Our thoughts are not facts, and we can choose what our actions are, and to do things that move us closer to what our values are, and what is important to us.”
- Meghan Stewart Goyer
The biggest reason for choosing Georgia State to earn her Ph.D. in clinical and community psychology is because GSU allowed Meghan to explore both routes. Plus, she is a Georgia native and loves Atlanta. The diverse culture was a draw for her after previously seeking mentorship in Denver and later attending school in the valley of California where it was not diverse. “The clinical community at GSU is unique...It is just a good fit for me because they have the clinical psychology piece for me, which is like research and therapy. Then the community psychology piece is more about the systems in which we are embedded, so that includes policy program work at the community level, and it also includes social justice,” Meghan explains.
Meghan has always been very active in the community, which explains her interest in community psychology. Through volunteer efforts, Meghan explored her passion for working with community members themselves because they are the experts in what is going on in their neighborhoods. She also was a counselor for many years and is now doing clinical and therapy work with adolescents, kids, and teens. Her work with young people inspired a research project for Meghan. She began studying children's and teenagers' moods and learning how to then transform their language and actions into a more positive tone by practicing mindfulness.
This research began with Meghan’s thesis project:
“My thesis looked around what even is mindfulness. I looked at how mindfulness is related to depression and found an impactful piece, which is the nonjudgmental acceptance of peace of mindfulness. So, not judging and just accepting what is there.
I’ve also looked at mindfulness-based interventions and did a meta-analysis and found that there is a small but significant effect of mindfulness-based interventions on reducing racial and ethnic prejudice. Now I am looking at mindfulness as a potential factor that could promote social connectedness.
In my therapy, I pursued mindfulness-based therapy. The first is in acceptance and commitment therapy. Another is called DBT which I have been drawn to, and that one is very helpful for people.”
DBT is better known as Dialectical Behavior Therapy. DBT is a practice focusing on people with intense emotions, most used for people with a personality disorder but also those with a mental health condition.
Meghan is currently working on her dissertation, which is looking at social connectedness, promoting resilience against stress in emerging adults, and seeing if mindfulness promotes social connectedness. She’s also preparing to go to Johnson City, TN for an internship with the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) this summer, gearing up for her final year in her program. While doing so, she will engage in an external clinical practicum, providing therapy to young people in the Children’s OCD Program at Emory University (COPE).
Meghan has received many awards with her recent award received from the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO). PEO is a women’s organization that focuses on supporting and providing opportunities for women worldwide. Meghan received the award for her academic achievement, and her potential to make a significant contribution to her field. While Meghan appreciates her journey to finding her career, she highly emphasizes the importance that her accomplishments are rewarding but they are not everything. Her joy comes from spending time with her family and friends and attending concerts. Her top piece of advice consists of taking care of yourself before anyone else and never being afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone.
Meghan’s top advice for anyone who worries about their next steps:
- You will never know for sure, but you will get used to not knowing or you will find that you do not have to decide on one thing for the rest of your whole life.
- When deciding your next steps, try to think long-term if you can, “but not like your life long-term”, you can always shift and change and evolve.
- Take time to get curious and explore different things. Read about different jobs and really try to imagine what it would be like to do those jobs and reach out to people. You can say: “ Hello, I am interested in your work. Are you willing to talk to me about what it’s like?” Typically, people will want to share their experiences because they work hard to get where they are and want to pass that along.
- Seek mentorship. Mentors do not just appear in your life. You have to find them. You have to ask them to be your mentor. Ask people that you respect, so you can have meaningful conversations or brainstorm ideas. Plus, you can have as many mentors as you want.
- Therapy is very helpful for everyone. I will always recommend therapy.
With an individual with complex interests such as Meghan, you wonder how she tackles it all. While she is dedicated to her studies, Meghan remembers there is more to life and tries to take each day as it comes.
LaValla Joyce Wilson
Program: Religious Studies with a concentration in Non-profit Management
Previous Education: Ph.D. in Counseling Education and a Masters of Divinity
Professional Interest: Recruitment, retention, and leadership development and training. My ministry interest is to establish a non-profit that serves homeless and at-risk youth.
What inspired you to design a resource for homeless and at-risk youth?
I was inspired by need and service. While working in higher education in residential life, I observed more and more residents arriving in college homeless or becoming homeless because they could not afford to remain in campus housing or in school. After retiring, my initial thought was to start a nonprofit to create a living facility to offer year-round housing for homeless students. My focus shifted as I began to do research on homelessness in Georgia. My research revealed that Georgia (2017) had a growing homeless problem, that 6.9% of homeless students were unaccompanied (youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian), and that many of these youth were living in rural areas. I reasoned that a mobile digital space with the capacity to store confidential documents and provide access to resources that would allow homeless and at-risk youth to stay on track to graduate high school, attend college, and pursue vocational training could change the trajectory of their life.
What is Dream Machine?
The Dream Machine is a mobile-first website that connects homeless and at-risk youth to educational, financial, and community resources that support high school graduation, college attendance, and vocational training to increases their opportunity for long-term economic stability to make their dreams a reality.
Have there been any changes or developments to your plan since 2017?
Yes, there has been one major change from the initial concept of the site. I wanted one of the key features of the site to be cloud storage for confidential documents needed for applying and remaining in high school, college, or a vocational program. My research revealed that there were legal issues with providing this feature and it also revealed that the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act provides homeless liaisons throughout the state within all public high schools that can address this need. The project shifted to centralizing resources and support services that encouraged high school graduation, college attendance, and vocational training.
How is the mobile-first website development going?
The project has moved into a second phase. Technical development is close to being complete and I am currently reviewing and editing the written content of the site. We are close to going live to test the site.
How did the Student Innovation Fellowship Program assist you in your goals to make an online resource for homeless youth?
The Dream Machine is a project of the Student Innovation Fellowship Program (SIF). SIF accepted my proposal for the Dream Machine during the 2017-2018 academic year. A team of six fellows was assigned to the project (5 undergraduates & 1 graduate student) to bring the proposal into reality. At the end of spring 2018, an extension was given to continue the project into the 2018-19 academic year to complete the work on the site.
What made you decide to attend Georgia State University?
I was seeking a program that would allow me to combine my interest in religion with my desire to develop and manage a nonprofit. Georgia State University Department of Religious Studies offered a Master’s in Religious Studies with a concentration in Nonprofit Management. This program had the basics of what I was seeking, there were no other programs like it in the state.
What are the benefits of having an interdepartmental degree & concentration? What are the challenges?
The benefit for me was the opportunity to take the theory, methods, and practices of religious studies and translate them into the more practical discipline of nonprofit management. In real-time, I was able to observe the impact of religion on public policy and social programs that impacted the lives of homeless and at-risk youth, a population that I want to serve.
Are you working on any other projects?
Yes, I currently work two days a week with United Youth of America, a nonprofit that runs a paid apprenticeship program in the culinary arts for individuals 18+. The program is in its first year of a pilot program with the state. I work in management and program development. I am also completing federal articles of cooperation for my nonprofit Mending Broken Pieces, Inc.
What is your advice to students who want to make an impact in their community?
You don’t have to wait until you “get your degree;” once you identify what you want to do for your community, share it, be open, let others know what you desire to do, seek opportunities to begin where you are, and be flexible.
I would like to thank all of my professors in Religious Studies and Nonprofit Management and Social Enterprise for their instruction, challenges, and support. I would also like to give special thanks to the members of the SIF team, Mr. Spencer Roberts, Dr. Molly Bassett, and my faculty advisor for the project Dr. Monique Moultrie. Their support and skills help a dream become reality!
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