Ahmed Yousef
Doctoral Student Communicative Sciences and Disorders

“This past year, with all its challenges, has been the most fruitful year for Ahmed Yousef. Other than teaching and developing a new course, Ahmed has progressed a lot in his research. He submitted three manuscripts to prestigious journals; one was published and the other two are currently in press. Ahmed also did an excellent job in his doctoral comprehensive exam. All these were in addition to the help he has been providing to the more junior members of AVAH Lab. Well done, Ahmed! Looking forward to hear more of your success stories in 2022!”

By Maryam Naghibolhosseini

Ava Garrison
Doctoral Student Plant Biology/Kellogg Biological Station

“Ava came to MSU with many strengths, and she addressed areas of perceived weakness head-on, turning them into new strengths. She was also the glue that held the lab together during a transitional period and then a pandemic! She will be sorely missed after she defends this summer.”

By Jeff Conner

Ellie Darling
Doctoral Student Entomology

“Thanks for organizing the EROF 2022 as a committee. The whole program is awesome!”

By Haosu Cong

Robin Waterman
Doctoral Student Plant Biology/Kellogg Biological Station

“Robin hit the ground running starting graduate school at the height of the pandemic, turning a dormant dataset into a paper that is about to be published in a leading journal. At the same time she designed and started a very ambitious thesis project and is expanding her range of skills with an outreach and education fellowship. ”

By Jeff Conner

Brian Burgess
Doctoral Student Management

“Brian spends countless hours teaching and helping his fellow PhD students; he generously and freely shares his knowledge, resources, and empathy. Whenever we needed help, Brian would find the time for us. I cannot express how grateful I am to Brian for his generous spirit and mentoring heart. I know Brian will make a phenomenal professor one day. ”

Sophia Buysse
Doctoral Student Plant Biology/Kellogg Biological Station

“Sophia is always eager to learn new skills and apply them to research and teaching. Because she started here during the pandemic, at first it was computational and data analysis; this work will soon result in a publication. She has since made a strong start on her thesis research based entirely on her own novel ideas, as well as developing a strong teaching portfolio.”

By Jeff Conner

Tara Mesyn
Doctoral Student Journalism

“Tara, you are an inspiration! I am grateful for the opportunity to get to know you and learn about your wonderful work in the School of Journalism. You are an inspiring educator who deeply cares about your students. You authentically share about yourself, encourage everyone to let their creative voice to come through in their work, and you model many important qualities. On behalf of the Graduate School, I want to congratulate you one more time for receiving Honorable Mention for the 2022 Midwestern Association of Graduate School Excellence in Teaching Award! The committee wanted us to let you know that they loved your video and they can't wait to see where your path leads you. ”

By Stefanie Baier and the Graduate School

Devin Lake
Doctoral Student Department of Integrative Biology

“Devin has served as our lab manager while doing his Ph.D program. It must be very hard working with the dual status, but he has always been nice to everyone and managed the lab very well. Without him, nobody in our lab could conduct any experiments successfully. We always thank you, Devin. I hope everything goes well in your Ph.D program as well and hope we can keep collaborating after you graduate!”

By Minako Izutsu

Melinda Meiring
Doctoral Student Neuroscience

“Melinda is one of the most caring and good natured graduate students I know. She is always happy to help and step in when necessary. During our time on the Council of Graduate Students, I have really come to appreciate her time and dedication working as recording secretary. She is always willing to come to events and I appreciate her opinions during our meetings. Not only that, she put on an amazing Graduate Academic Conference with numbers rivaling before the pandemic which is amazing and a TON of hard work! ”

Sylvie Martin-Eberhardt
Doctoral Student Plant Biology

“I would like to thank Sylvie as the first graduate student to join my lab right at the start of my first year as a PI. Sylvie has taken on the challenge of joining a brand-new lab with grace. Her self-motivation and openness in communicating has made this venture a success. I would also like to thank Sylvie for her willingness to engage in service to our department and research programs. She has been a great help in meeting with interviewing faculty candidates, and put in vital effort towards helping organize graduate recruitment events, despite being still very new herself.”

By Kadeem J. Gilbert

Jaewon Sim Sim
Doctoral Student Physiology/CMB

“I'd like to thanks Jaewon for her hard work, scientific rigor, and sharing her enthusiasm for neuroimmunology”

By Geoffroy Laumet

Zayn Al-Zahid
Doctoral Student Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology (MCIP)

“Zayn has a true talent for connecting with students as a TA in Human Physiology and for helping them to achieve their best. His commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is evident in all of his interactions, and he does his utmost to ensure that everyone has the ability the not just survive but thrive! ”

By Gina Leinninger

Tim Dorweiler
Doctoral Student Physiology

“Tim always goes above and beyond to get things done in lab. In addition to being a successful scientist, he is also always a joy to be around. I would like to thank Tim for his ongoing help whenever it is needed & always making the lab a positive place to be!”

By Delaney McFarland

Jariel Ramirez-Virella
Doctoral Student Neuroscience

“Jariel has been a fantastic team member in the lab and has had a huge year! Kudos for rocking his comprehensive exams, writing a competitive F31 application, mentoring undergrads to research success and making major advances in his exciting research project! I also appreciate his keen foodie recommendations (and he introduced me to what is absolutely the best cheesecake I've ever had!)! It's a pleasure to work with such a motivated, talented and all around wonderful person!”

By Gina Leinninger

Riley Pizza
Doctoral Student Plant Biology/EEBB

“Riley is such a force of kindness. They’re committed to welcoming others into any and every space, they strive for inclusion, and they bring enthusiasm to encouraging other students to reach their goals. I would not have found the community of grad students that I have without Riley’s dedication to making that community space possible, and I’m grateful for it every day.”

Rania Lachhab
Doctoral Student Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics

“Rania is not only a diligent researcher, but also a friend. Through her inquisitive, analytical, and industrious nature, she inspires her colleagues with her impressive research and helpful feedback. Through her warm, fun, and kind demeanor, she lights up our otherwise dark basement office. Thank you, Rania!”

Chastity Stokes
Doctoral Student Education

“In the time I have gotten to know Chastity, I have really appreciated her thoughtfulness and ability to look past the chatter and get to the real crux of a problem. Serving on COGS, she has done tireless work to assign graduate and professional students to university committees, a thankless but important task essential to the work of advocating for graduate and professional students. I appreciate all the work Chastity has done on this and am glad to have known her!”

Cullen Haselby
Doctoral Student Mathematics

“In the short time I have gotten to know Cullen, I have sincerely appreciated the commitment he has made to the Council of Graduate Students. He is one of the few people I can count on to read documents thoroughly as well as provide insightful opinions, even if we might disagree. I appreciate that Cullen stepped in last minute to fill in a position so that we could have a successful year, and especially appreciate that he often shows up to our events to lend a helping hand. Thank you so much for your service this year Cullen!”

Emily Liljestrand
Doctoral Student Fisheries and Wildlife

“When I first met Emily Liljestrand, I had no idea what I was in for. I made our reintroduction standing over the toilet paper aisle at Meijer. From then on, Emily made sure I was included in so many things, and we were fast friends. I then learned that Emily not only a true friend, but a dedicated scholar and advocate for graduate students. Whether she is serving as treasurer for FW or EEB, serving up sick fish stats, or hosting amazing parties, Emily is a light to all who know her. I have been honored to work with her and call her my friend.”

Hunter McFall-Boegeman
Doctoral Student

“Hunter seriously came in clutch this year when the Council of Graduate Students was suddenly without a parliamentarian. Even though I am sure that he was trying to work hard to finish his dissertation, I was more than glad when he agreed to help out the Council of Graduate Students. Having served on COGS for many a year, his advice and help was indispensable and I was amazed with how responsive and willing to work on the challenges we faced through the end of the term. I am honored to know and share space with Hunter during his time and MSU, and appreciate all the hard work he does. ”

Rebecca Sutton
Professional Student (MD, DVM, MSN, MBA, JD, etc) Student Law

“I haven't known Becca for long, but in the time I have, I have especially appreciated her contributions to COGS. Being in law school can be tough and demanding, but Becca still finds the time to serve her fellow law students. She is more than happy to attend events and help out, and I could not be more grateful! Thank you Becca, for all you do!”

Allyson Dean
Professional Student (MD, DVM, MSN, MBA, JD, etc) Student nursing

“I would like to thank all my students. Each one of them worked as a registered nurse and continued in the professional graduate program during the COVID-19 pandemic. They each overcame the multiple challenges that the pandemic imposed at their work setting and their clinical/scholarly work settings. I am very proud of them and am proud to call them my future CNS colleagues. Allyson has been able to help a hospital system better identify patients with delirium and provide evidence-based interventions to prevent and treat. Her work has been comprehensive and includes multiple departments to work together. ”

By Jackie Iseler

Susanne Woltschlaeger-Brooks
Professional Student (MD, DVM, MSN, MBA, JD, etc) Student nursing

“I would like to thank all my students. Each one of them worked as a registered nurse and continued in the professional graduate program during the COVID-19 pandemic. They each overcame the multiple challenges that the pandemic imposed at their work setting and their clinical/scholarly work settings. I am very proud of them and am proud to call them my future CNS colleagues. Susanne has implemented an evidence-based program to improve the culture of one of the hospital units. The work she has done will be able to be expanded throughout the hospital and decrease nursing departure. ”

By Jackie Iseler

Nicole Jess
Doctoral Student CSTAT

“Nicole has been a wonderful resource to the students, faculty, and staff at the College of Osteopathic Medicine. We especially appreciate her expertise in statistical analysis in support of student scholarly activity. Thank you Nicole for all your help!”

By Kirsten Waarala

Kayla Davis
Professional Student (MD, DVM, MSN, MBA, JD, etc) Student Integrative Biology

“Kayla is always eager to dedicate her own time to helping other graduate students design their research, troubleshoot R code, or prepare for their comprehensive exams. She uses her impressive skills and knowledge to contribute to the success and education of her peers, and certainly has the potential to become a great leader in her field!”

Benjamen Kline
Doctoral Student IBIO

“Benjamen Kline is an outstanding graduate student and is able to bring others together, regardless of age, department, or role! He is able to teach others across all disciplines about his work with his passion and positivity. He is also great at modeling the importance of work/life balance and rest in graduate school. He's the best!”

By Elizabeth Stebbins

Christopher Eastland
Master's (MS, MA, MFA, MPH, MSW) Student Theatre

“Christopher is mischievous and hilarious. His off-center view of the world makes for unique conversations and acting choices. He is so much fun to be around!”

Pei-Jyun Lu
Doctoral Student Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE)

“Last August was my first time coming to the US and I remembered how anxious I was. Luckily enough, I have Pei as my AFRE guide. While I was planning for the travel, Pei gave me many valuable suggestions, and did me a huge favor helping me move in and settle down. And her kindness doesn't end there, as she continues to share her experience and resources with me. If it weren't for her help, this beginning of my PhD journey would be a lot tougher. I really appreciate all she has done and wish the best for her! ”

By Lin Lin

Katie Bajorek
Professional Student (MD, DVM, MSN, MBA, JD, etc) Student nursing

“Katie has been working as a registered nurse while completing her doctorate of nursing practice. She is passionate about patients receiving the timely palliative and hospice care. She had two posters presented at a national and regional conference on her scholarly projects. She is a leader.”

By Jackie Iseler

Emily Mensch
Master's (MS, MA, MFA, MPH, MSW) Student Fisheries and Wildlife

“Emily is a great example of how you can engage in important science and help others care about it, too. She works hard and always keeps an incredible sense of humor about her, which makes any task done with her go by faster and easier. She is also an incredible model and mentor for science communication. As her defense comes up, we in FW will miss her greatly, but know she is going on to do great things!! ”

By Elizabeth Stebbins

Asia Hightower
Doctoral Student Plant Biology

“Asia is an absolute rock star. She is instrumental to keeping the PLB department running by serving as a student representative on the graduate committee. For the second year in a row, she has been key to recruiting new students to the university by organizing elements of the PSF weekend, especially for the prospective PLB students. She additionally is a fantastic researcher and peer mentor. ”

Sarah Manski
Doctoral Student Statistics and Probability

“Ms. Sarah Manski is an extraordinary Statistics Ph.D. student. Many in her department know this, but they do not know in how many ways she is so exceptional. As her Ph.D. advisor, I have a broader view of her professional and academic prowess, and it is mind boggling. Her work spans probability theory, Bayesian methodology, applications in agro-ecology, and statistics education. And that's just the parts I am aware of. In agro-ecology, she is the driving technical force behind a project with colleagues from UC Berkeley, supported by the Neogen Land-Grant Prize and a 501c3 non-profit called Land Core, where our goal is to give farm lenders the data-driven tools to help farmers adopt sustainable agricultural practices that regenerate soil quality and mitigate their exposure to weather and climate risk. That project is literally the tip of the iceberg, since it is already attracting public attention. Sarah is also an extraordinary colleague, friend, role model, and mentor to many, some who face untold academic and professional challenges, and face them head-on thanks to Sarah. This is a hidden part of her talents, among others, too many to list. I'm just lucky to be associated with her. She is appreciated indeed.”

By Frederi Viens

Mackenzie Rauch
Professional Student (MD, DVM, MSN, MBA, JD, etc) Student nursing

“I would like to thank all my students. Each one of them worked as a registered nurse and continued in the professional graduate program during the COVID-19 pandemic. They each overcame the multiple challenges that the pandemic imposed at their work setting and their clinical/scholarly work settings. I am very proud of them and am proud to call them my future CNS colleagues. Mackenzie has been working towards increasing the CNSs value to the hospital organizations. She has presented her proposal at a national and regional conference. She will be leading this charge in Michigan. ”

By Jackie Iseler

Mackenzie Rauch
Professional Student (MD, DVM, MSN, MBA, JD, etc) Student nursing

“Mackenzie has been working as a wound ostomy continence nurse while completing her doctorate of nursing practice. She is passionate elevating the clinical nurse specialist and advocating for her patients to receive evidence-based care. She had two posters presented at a national and regional conference on her scholarly projects. She is a leader among her peers and will continue to be a future CNS leader.”

By Jackie Iseler

Marcella Domka
Master's (MS, MA, MFA, MPH, MSW) Student Fisheries and Wildlife

“Marcella served as the chair of the Professional Development committee of our department's Graduate Student Organization this past year. Marcella went above and beyond in her organization of a 'career opportunities in FW' workshop. She demonstrated excellent communication and organizational skills.”

By Mary Tate Bremigan

Kim Seabright Martin
Master's (MS, MA, MFA, MPH, MSW) Student Theatre

“Kim is one of the nicest, kindest, and funniest students I have ever worked with. Kim lights up every room, and her kindness knows no barriers. A great student, actor, and teacher!”

Jenna Walters
Doctoral Student Entomology

“Thanks for organizing EROF 2022. The program is awesome.”

By Haosu Cong

Olivia Fitch
Doctoral Student Integrative Biology

“Thank you Olivia for your contributions in piloting the Build-A-Fish program at MSU! Your contributions to science and the greater community are incredibly inspiring for the future generation of STEM leaders”

Eleanore Ritter
Doctoral Student Plant Biology

“Eleanore is a fantastic peer mentor, PLB GSO president, and teacher. She is dedicated to making every member of the PLB graduate student community feel welcome and supported. She is an incredibly hard worker as well, and is always going above and beyond for the department. Eleanore is additionally a very empathetic and caring person, and always offers to lend an ear to students going through difficult times. Eleanore, you're the best!”

Clara Graucob
Doctoral Student Fisheries and Wildlife

“Clara has been the fearless leader of the Fisheries and Wildlife GSO for a year now. She's a strong advocate for mental and physical health of all fellow students and works hard to make international graduate students like her feel welcome at MSU. A delight and the light of every room”

Caitlin Moore
Professional Student (MD, DVM, MSN, MBA, JD, etc) Student nursing

“I would like to thank all my students. Each one of them worked as a registered nurse and continued in the professional graduate program during the COVID-19 pandemic. They each overcame the multiple challenges that the pandemic imposed at their work setting and their clinical/scholarly work settings. I am very proud of them and am proud to call them my future CNS colleagues. Caitlin has taken her education and skills to bring a mentorship program to the nurses to help with burnout and stress due to COVID. She also sought out additional education on healthcare disparities of minorities. ”

By Jackie Iseler

Emily Krueger
Professional Student (MD, DVM, MSN, MBA, JD, etc) Student nursing

“I would like to thank all my students. Each one of them worked as a registered nurse and continued in the professional graduate program during the COVID-19 pandemic. They each overcame the multiple challenges that the pandemic imposed at their work setting and their clinical/scholarly work settings. I am very proud of them and am proud to call them my future CNS colleagues. Emily has taken lead in bringing virtual reality to help with patient pain management in a hospital system. She has taken her scholarship to both regional and national conferences. She is definitely a leader. ”

By Jackie Iseler

Emily Krueger
Professional Student (MD, DVM, MSN, MBA, JD, etc) Student nursing

“Emily is leader within her cohort and her scholarly work has been recognized among the faculty. She has presented at the Midwest Nurses Research Society and the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists. During her educational program, she continued to work as a registered nurse before and during COVID-19.”

By Jackie Iseler

Brooke Jeffery
Doctoral Student Integrative Biology

“Thank you Brooke for your contributions to piloting the Build-A-Fish program at MSU! Your dedication to science and the greater community is incredible and inspiring to the next generation of future leaders in STEM. ”

Emily Liljestrand
Doctoral Student Fisheries and Wildlife

“Emily is a shining example of a graduate student. She is involved, dedicated, and supportive. She works tirelessly on behalf of the GSO, our lab (doing search committees and even baking for potential candidate seminars!), and on her own dissertation. She has been a wonderful guide for all new students in our department as they have joined during COVID. Thanks Emily!!”

By Elizabeth Stebbins

Kyle Jaynes
Doctoral Student Integrative Biology

“I'd like to thank Kyle for his work as Science Education and Outreach Fellow at Kellogg Biological Station. Thank you for your dedication to sharing your path to and love for science with audiences of all ages! It is a pleasure to work with you and I'm appreciative of the example you set to slow down and enjoy life in the moment. Thank you!”

By Kara Haas

Liz Stebbins
Master's (MS, MA, MFA, MPH, MSW) Student Fisheries and Wildlife

“Liz jumps feet first into every opportunity! She's the fundraising chair of the GSO, edited the Fisheries and Wildlife magazine last year, and helps her fellow classmates through tough labwork. She's creative, smart, fun, and effortlessly charming. ”

Cherish Sarmiento
Doctoral Student CEPSE

“The markers of a very strong scholar are often hidden from view – the extensive amounts of reading to become a content expert, the persistence through running many failed statistical models, the detailed attention to project management, fostering a positive professional community. Cherish’s remarkable abilities in these areas have taught me so much over the past 3 years and I know I’ll continue to be grateful for what I learn from her in the years to come.”

By Adrea Truckenmiller

Julianne Puroll
Professional Student (MD, DVM, MSN, MBA, JD, etc) Student nursing

“Julianne has been working as a registered nurse while completing her doctorate of nursing practice during the global pandemic. She is passionate elevating the clinical nurse specialist and advocating for her patients to receive evidence-based care. Her work never fell below excellent. ”

By Jackie Iseler

Jamie Frisch
Doctoral Student College of Nursing OSA

“Jamie has been a huge help with coordinating our admissions documents, providing instructional videos, and general communication to our students. She is proactive and consistently asks for opportunists to help our department and college. ”

By Tara Gazdecki

Caitlin Moore
Professional Student (MD, DVM, MSN, MBA, JD, etc) Student nursing

“Caitlin has been working as an emergency room nurse while completing her doctorate of nursing practice. She is passionate elevating the clinical nurse specialist and advocating for her patients. She has also taken additional courses to improve how minority patients receive care. She has presented at a national on her scholarly project. She is a leader among her peers and will continue to be as a future CNS leader.”

By Jackie Iseler

Adrianne Wilkerson
Professional Student (MD, DVM, MSN, MBA, JD, etc) Student College of Nursing - Professional Development

“Thank you Adrianne! I so appreciate having had the opportunity to go through these last two crazy years with you. Your commitment and work ethic, brilliant organizational skills and sense of humor have helped make this journey successful and quite often fun! Best of luck to you as you graduate and take on life's next challenges. Peace!”

By Peggy Campbell

Caitlin Herrington
Doctoral Student Ag, Food, and Resource Economics

“Caitlin- thank you very much for your friendship and mentorship. You are someone I look up in our department and I feel very fortunate to know you! You are very appreciated!”

By Ian Fisher

Alexis Skuras
Doctoral Student College of Nursing

“Alexis supports the simulation lab at the CON. Over the last 2 years she has worked hard to learn simulation pedagogy and her contributions have enhanced the simulation learning experiences of the CON undergraduate students. Alexis is professional, responsible, and dedicated to her commitments as a graduate student and teaching assistant, and she deserves recognition for her contributions!”

By Emily McIntire

José Quintero
Master's (MS, MA, MFA, MPH, MSW) Student Ag, Food, and Resource Economics

“José, in addition to being my housemate, has been one of my closest friends here at MSU. He is someone full of energy and joy who others look up to (including myself!). He is also a natural leader in our department. I feel very fortunate to know José and would like him to know that he is very loved and appreciated!”

By Ian Fisher

Dahye Kim
Doctoral Student Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics

“I would like to celebrate Dahye's perseverance through the graduate life hardships. Thank you for volunteering in the Graduate School Organization and helping other students while also tackling research, grading, and classes. Keep going!”

Valentin Küchle
Doctoral Student Program in Mathematics Education

“Valentin, I cannot thank you enough. Throughout years, you helped me so much to be where I am now. I felt more belonging to the community, I learned a lot about research, teaching, and a lot of other perspectives from how you think and approach to the things. I am really grateful to have you as my friend. Thank you!”

Lauren Pageau
Doctoral Student Nursing - PhD

“Lauren is always willing to take on any project we need help with, no matter if it's as simple as a flyer or as lengthy as a multi-semester report - and she always does the work with a positive attitude. She also is one of the first to welcome new people to our program regardless if they are faculty, staff, or student. Lauren has been a pillar of stability these past four years; we wouldn't be who we are today without her!”

By Kristy Griswold

Darshana Devarajan
Doctoral Student Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education

“Thank you, Darshana, for your commitment to deepening and broadening the teaching you do in TE430. The students benefit so much from your passion for this work! Thank you, also, for spearheading the group research paper that you submitted for publication this week on these courses -- the research team is so fortunate to have you as a guiding member!”

By Karenanna Boyle Creps

Brittany Brewer
Doctoral Student Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education

“Brittany, the significant contributions you're making to our shared research project and the pedagogical creativity and humanizing insight you bring to the courses you teach cannot be overstated. Thank you for bringing your whole self to your teaching and our research project -- I learn so much from working with you.”

By Karenanna Boyle Creps

Jamily Lorena Ramos De Lima
Doctoral Student Integrative Biology

“Thank you Jamily for your contributions in piloting the Build-A-Fish program at MSU! Your contributions to science and the greater community are incredibly inspiring for the future generation of STEM leaders. ”

Mollie Mfodwo
Doctoral Student Doctor in Educational Leadership

“Dear Mollie, you are an inspiration to all of us full-time working parents with young children. I am so thankful we are in the program together. I appreciate all that you do for me, and only hope to return the same as well. Looking forward to graduating together in the near future!”

By Cherlyn Tay

Andrew Yoshimoto
Master's (MS, MA, MFA, MPH, MSW) Student Entomology

“Andrew has become the heart of the lab soon after his arrival. It feels like he has voluntarily taken on the role of a lab manager. He is generous with his time beyond measure, helps everyone to come up with solutions for everyday problems, may it be about equipment, space or hiring. Andrew, just wanted to let you know that we have all noticed your selflessness and appreciate what you are doing. It is not coming only from me but everyone in the lab. ”

By Marianna Szucs

Ahmed Salim Nuhu
Doctoral Student Ag, Food, and Resource Economics

“Thank you Salim! Not only are you the top goal-scorer for our dept. soccer team, but you also are one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I know. You are a natural leader and someone other people (including myself) look up to. You are very appreciated!”

By Ian Fisher

Heather Olander
Master's (MS, MA, MFA, MPH, MSW) Student Social Science

“Watching my sister navigate through her graduate program has been incredibly inspirational. While a full-time student, she has also maintained a full-time job, internship, and has been planning her own wedding. She is a strong, independent woman whom I am so lucky to have as a role model.”

By Nicole Olander

Hima, April, Seth, Arya, Titi, Blake, Alexandra, Funmi, Ellen, Chase Rawal, Athnos, Hunt, Gupta, Kou-Herrema, Ginsburg, Lee, Ayeni, Searle, Bruggeman
Doctoral and Masters Student Graduate School

“GTAP Advisory Group members are such amazing students, scholars, and teaching assistants who have enriched the Graduate Teaching Learning Community in ways that cannot be expressed. I am grateful for all their insights, their expertise, their sharing of experiences and common humanity. They support one another and any GradTA. They recognize the needs of educators and students and do what they can to address these holistically. I cannot wait to see where life takes you and hope that you keep touching lives and making a difference in teaching, learning, and how you transform this world. I truly appreciate you! ”

By Stefanie Baier

Sara Hugentobler
Doctoral Student Integrative Biology

“Thank you Sara for an incredible year of service as COGS President! ”

Andrés Galindo-Olarte
Doctoral Student Applied Mathematics

“I am very appreciative of Andrés for his friendship and support during my first year as a grad student at MSU. Not only does he make the best arepa ever, but he also is a natural leader and role model to those around him. He also has a very bright personality and good humor. I feel very fortunate to know him. Thank you Andrés!”

By Ian Fisher

Alyssa Saunders
Doctoral Student Integrative Biology

“Thank you Alyssa for your contributions to piloting the Build-A-Fish program at MSU! Your dedication to science and the greater community is incredible and inspiring to the next generation of future leaders in STEM. ”

Brandi Schroeder
Master's (MS, MA, MFA, MPH, MSW) Student REHS

“Thank you to Brandi for continuously being an amazing classmate, colleague, and friend. I couldn't have done grad school without you and your support. You continue to amaze me everyday with all the work you do for RHA and REHS, I'm so honored to be your friend! ”

Brandi Schroeder
Master's (MS, MA, MFA, MPH, MSW) Student Student Affairs Administration

“Brandi has been there for me in many ways throughout grad school. She has made me feel seen and allowed me to be myself around her without any judgment. She is very caring and affirming and has made grad school more bearable.”

By Ernesto John Luis Gonzalez

Eric Abaidoo
Doctoral Student Ag, Food, and Resource Economics

“Eric has been an incredible friend, mentor, and teammate to me during my first year of graduate school. Not only does he play great defense on our department soccer team, but he also shows great care to those around him and is always there to give advise, support, and encouragement. Thank you Eric!”

By Ian Fisher

Thomas Keene
Doctoral Student Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics

“Thomas has demonstrated remarkable perseverance which inspired others to keep doing their best even in the hardest moments. I would like to celebrate his high academic performance and recognize the tremendous effort he puts in his research projects. Big thank you for helping me with R and psmatch2. Keep doing great!”

Kirby Hermansen
Doctoral Student Physics and Astronomy

“Thank you Kirby for being an excellent example of a model graduate student and for all your help with the experiments and analysis. ”

By Rahul Jain

Riley Pizza
Doctoral Student Plant Biology

“Riley is an amazing graduate student who is always supportive of their peers, checks in about mental health, and goes above and beyond for their students!”

Aliya Bizhanova
Doctoral Student

“I am happy to express my gratitude and recognition to Aliya for her initiation and leadership in creating the Eurasian Student Association at MSU, building an academic and cultural bridge for students and scholars from former Soviet countries. She is also a great mentor who advised me through the Ph.D. application process, provided valuable support, and shared her experience. In addition, she is a dedicated scholar who perfectly balances academics and family (mom of two).”

By Moldir Moldagaliyeva

Jihye Hwang
Doctoral Student Program in Mathematics Education (PRIME)

“Thank you, Jihye, for your dedication to your students, your research, and your colleagues! You are an amazing teacher, brilliant researcher, and wonderful friend! ”

Sophie Buysse
Doctoral Student Plant Biology

“No matter the situation, Sophie is always ready to offer guidance and advice. She has encouraged me to apply for fellowships and helped me by providing useful information. She is also a great TA, organizes and runs our weekly lab writing group, and is a lovely friend.”

By Maya Wilson Brown

Christine Choi
Master's (MS, MA, MFA, MPH, MSW) Student Student Affairs Administration

“Thank you, Christine for being a part of my support system since we began our graduate degrees. I am so thankful for your willingness to be vulnerable with me, and to allow me space to grow alongside you. I am proud to call you my friend and colleague because you are a magnificent Student Affairs Professional, and will see an incredibly successful career in your future due to your admirable support for the students you work with, as well as your peers. I am excited to see where life takes you!”

By Brandi Schroeder

Ernesto Gonzalez
Master's (MS, MA, MFA, MPH, MSW) Student Student Affairs Administration

“Thank you, Ernesto for being such a fantastic friend and colleague as we have navigated our graduate degrees. You are an incredible part of my support system, and I wouldn't have been able to succeed without you in my corner. I am proud to have been able to bear witness to your growth as you have blossomed into a fantastic Student Affairs Professional. Your support for your students, colleagues, and staff is evident and that empathy and drive will take you to incredible places in your career. I am super excited to see where life takes you!”

By Brandi Schroeder

Christine Choi
Master's (MS, MA, MFA, MPH, MSW) Student Student Affairs Administration

“Christine has helped me so much throughout grad school. I learned so much from her and appreciate her reality checks. She has grounded me and pushed me to be a better version of myself. Christine's work ethic and professionalism is something I look up to and am glad I can call her a friend and someone to lean on.”

Maryann (Mo) Orawczyk
Doctoral Student EAD

“Mo - You are instrumental in the success of the Student Affairs Administration MA Program in the College of Education! You always go above and beyond for the students, faculty, and staff. Your dedication has been clear to our admitted students as they go through the process of deciding the next steps for their futures...they have even given you the nickname "GOAT" -- Greatest of all Time! I always appreciate your positivity and professionalism, even in the face of barriers! You are an inspiration...and our program has made great strides because of you! Know that you are greatly appreciated!”

By Patricia Marin

Arpita Nayak
DVM Student CVM

“I am so thankful for Arpita; she is exceptionally hardworking and determined! She is currently enrolled as a full-time DVM student, and yet, she makes time to attend research functions with her lab colleagues. She is always encouraging her peers and is extremely dedicated to everything she does! She is absolutely incredible, and I cannot wait to see what her career has in store! ”

Ernesto Gonzalez
Master's (MS, MA, MFA, MPH, MSW) Student REHS

“Thank you Ernesto for all that you do! You have been such a rock for me and so many others in our program and I couldn't have done grad school without you and your warmth, care, and support. It's been such an honor to be your classmate, colleague, and friend! ”

Hima Rawal
Doctoral Student College of Arts & Letters

“Hima has always been very helpful in our work together and has a consistently positive attitude. She also received the Homer Higbee International Education Award for her involvement and service with the international graduate teaching assistants’ community, adult immigrant population, and English as a second language learners in K-12 settings. Go Hima!”

Hannah Carlson
Master's (MS, MA, MFA, MPH, MSW) Student CMIB

“I am so thankful for Hannah's perseverance, hard work, and determination! This semester has brought with it many challenges and yet, she continuously goes above and beyond to help and encourage those around her! She is absolutely exceptional!”

Neelanjana Mukherjee
Doctoral Student Chemistry

“I am thankful for Neela and her bright attitude. I appreciate how she welcomed me into the group and how she encourages her peers. Thank you Neela!”