Nikole
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Academic area and expected graduation date:
Linguistics
Nikole is beginning her sixth year of study at IU. She hopes to graduate in May 2010.
Research interests
My academic interests include phonology (the study of speech sounds), sociolinguistics (the use of language within society), and language acquisition. My research has primarily focused on varieties of American English, specifically Southern American English and African American Vernacular English. I am interested in studying the linguistic forms of these dialects, how they differ from Standard American English, and the linguistic variation that occurs among speakers of these dialects.
What I enjoy most about my graduate program
I really enjoy the variety of research interests of the students and faculty. Unlike some other fields, linguistics is really interdisciplinary. As a graduate student in this department, you are exposed to different types of research conducted by faculty members and fellow students. There is always an opportunity to learn something new.
Advice for prospective graduate students
I think that I would advise any prospective graduate students to be organized, yet stay flexible. He or she should know what they hope to get out of graduate school and try to make a plan to meet their goals. The student can use this plan to keep track of programs, application requirements, and deadlines. This type of preparation will help when deciding which schools to apply to and which school has the best fit. At the same time, it’s impossible to plan for everything. Things may not always work out in the way that we want them to. Any unforeseen changes that do occur do not have to be viewed as an obstacle if the student is willing to be flexible and adjust their plan as needed.
Hobbies and interests
I like to do a lot of activities with family and friends. These include grabbing a cup of coffee, shopping, watching movies, and traveling. I also like to take pictures.
Additional advice
Deciding to attend graduate school is exciting and scary at the same time! The transition can be difficult and stressful, so it’s good to make time to do the things that you enjoy.
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Carlos
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Academic area and expected graduation date:
Cognitive Science
Philosophy, Psychology, Computational Modeling
Carlos is in his third semester at IU and expects to graduate May 2011.
From previous experience in the university recruitment process, I've come to realize how important
personal attention and student feedback is in making a decision about where to go to graduate school.
The emissary program is exactly the kind of program that can give applicants this kind of attention and
feedback, so by participating in the program, I hope to make IU more attractive to prospective graduate students.
Research interests
I mainly do philosophical research on the foundations of cognitive science. That is, I study computational
and mathematical models of cognitive systems, and identify and evaluate their (usually implicit) philosophical
assumptions and commitments. In particular I investigate the role and value of certain explanatory notions,
including the notions of mental representation and modular explanation.
What I enjoy most about my graduate program
Its interdisciplinary nature: I regularly meet with faculty in at least 4 different departments, and attend talks in many others. Importantly, I am definitely not the only person in my graduate program doing this: interdisciplinary research is greatly encouraged, and I might even say expected.
Advice for prospective graduate students
Take your GRE's early, ideally in the summer before your senior year. Also, think about what kind of environment will be best for you: big cities can be exciting, but also distracting; small towns provide limited opportunities, but the environment is very conducive to focusing on research. (Of course, this does not mean that IU is only about work!)
Hobbies and interests
Cycling, cycling, and cycling.
Additional advice
I'm a very international person and have lived in a number of countries other than the US. If there is anything you would like to know about the international graduate student community here at IU, or about what kind of events there are on campus which might interest international(-minded) graduate students, just ask!
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Valery
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Academic area and expected graduation date:
Biochemistry / Neuroscience
Valery is in her third semester of graduate school and expects to graduate in 2012.
I had so many questions my first year but I did not know who I should ask.
Some things you can ask your faculty mentor, but there are those that you would feel
more comfortable asking your peers. I ended up trying to figure things out on my own.
When I heard that the graduate school was beginning this program I thought that I could
use my experiences and knowledge to help others.
Research interests
I am currently in Dr. Michael Walker's lab in Neuroscience. His lab works with different lipid signaling
molecules of the brain. These lipids has been shown to either produce or dampen pain. Arachidonyl
ethanolamine (metabolite of arachidonic acid), is one of these lipids. The lab uses many biochemical
approaches (mass spec is one technique) to study and identify these molecules.
It is the hope of the lab that by studying these molecules and fully understanding them will lead
to improved therapies for patients that suffer with chronic pain.
What I enjoy most about my graduate program
I love how diverse the research is. There is an opportunity to learn and work with people from any field of
research while complementing it with your own background. It is not a program that makes you feel like
what you are working on will become repetitive. The faculty is always pushing you to look at the big picture.
Advice for prospective graduate students
Try to schedule a visit and makes sure you find time to talk to other graduate students in the program.
Hobbies and interests
Reading and sleeping. I also love to dance!
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Karen
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Academic area and expected graduation date:
Comparative & International Education (Education Policy Studies)
School of Education
Karen expects to graduate in June 2012.
Research interests
I am interested in the use of education as a peace-building tool in
conflict regions, particularly in Israel/Palestine. My research looks
at the impact of participation in peace/civic education programs in
terms of fitting into societal peace-making efforts. I am also
interested more broadly in conceptualizing methods of assessing peace
and civic education programs, and in the way education intersects with
social movements.
What I enjoy most about my graduate program
The Education Policy Studies program includes a really broad range of
students and faculty. Many of us have backgrounds in a number of
different academic and professional fields and I think this diversity
enhances the program tremendously. I've also found the department to be
very supportive - students and faculty alike - and I really enjoy the
conversations I have with fellow students about a whole range of issues,
education-related and not.
Advice for prospective graduate students
Know what interests you and try to focus your classes and papers around
that topic - even if the connection is a broad one, it will help develop
and move your thoughts forward. Also, make sure to get out of the
library! There is no end to the amount of work you can do, but you will
be happier (and saner) if you give yourself a break. Bloomington - and
the IU campus - are full of opportunities to do things unrelated to
academics.
Hobbies and interests
I was a musician in a former life and love playing and listening to
music - which there is no lack of here in Bloomington! I also volunteer
as a facilitator and mediator and try to run and hike as often as I can
get outside!
Additional advice
IU is full of interesting people from all over the world. Interacting
with them is by far the best part of being a graduate student here!
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Cassie
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Academic area and expected graduation date:
Curriculum and Instruction-Science Education
School of Education
Cassie has a Masters in Secondary Science Teaching from IUPUI and is now in her third semester of the PhD program. Her expected graduation date is the summer of 2010.
I became an emissary because I love Bloomington and Indiana University. I have travelled all over Europe and Asia but there is no place like Bloomington. Also, I remember all the millions of questions that I had when I first started my doctoral program. I’d like to help make this transition easier for other people.
Research interests
Since the beginning of my education career, I have been interested in diversity education. I taught for five years. The first two years, I taught a bilingual (Spanish/English) science class for students whose English language skills prevented them from grasping science concepts. After teaching in Indianapolis, my husband and I decided to teach abroad. We took jobs at an international school in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I taught grades 6-11 and therefore I taught 5 different subjects. The school is comprised of many different cultures and is 80% English as a Second Language. Each day, I was required to meet the needs of many different learners and battle many cultural issues. The school was from the teaching styles of the Advanced Placement. It focused more on skills than content, and teachers were expected to use authentic assessment such as open-ended, problem-solving activities, investigations, debates, and hands-on experimentation. It was such a wonderful experience and solidified my decision to teach. That next spring, I attended the Eastern Regional Asian Conference in Bangkok, and was chosen to speak on incorporating reading aloud techniques in science classrooms. It was the turning point in my career. Since beginning graduate school, I have become more interested in gender and diversity education and this summer I returned to Cambodia working with the Royal University of Phnom Penh to develop curriculum that will encourage students to continue with science education. I hope to continue my dissertation research in this field.
What I enjoy most about my graduate program
First, I truly enjoy having such a supportive advisor that is constantly ensuring that I have the opportunities needed before leaving the program. Secondly, I love the wide variety of ways to get involved in both research and teaching. Even during my first year, I have already had more opportunities than some people get during an entire program. And lastly, my colleagues, I have such a wonderful support system that is completely non-competitive.
Advice for prospective graduate students
Think about the whole picture when choosing a school. Although school will consume most of your time, the city it is located in can make all the difference in helping you relieve some stress when you need it. Make sure the school you choose is surrounded by a city has all the things you need when you have some down time.
Also, take time in choosing your advisor. Your advisor plays a key role in your success at graduate school so take some time to meet the entire faculty before deciding.
Additional Advice
I am married with two little boys, which gives me a very different perspective on the graduate school experience. I learned very quickly that this was no time for procrastination. If you are in a similar situation, just email me for questions! Plus I have loads of great babysitters and have visited most of the daycare centers in Bloomington.
Also, I suggest that you meet or email some of the students who are already in your program. They are very likely to give you a good idea about what the program is truly like as well as give you some advice on coping while in graduate school.
Hobbies and interests
Travelling with my two sons, Seamus (4 years) and Teague (2 years) and husband, Stephen. Also, running very early in the mornings before the boys wake up.
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Lewis
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Academic area and expected graduation date:
Cultural Anthropology and Historical Archaeology
College of Arts and Sciences
Lewis expects to graduate in May 2012.
I feel it is important for us to connect with future students and encourage them in their pursuits. I have been fortunate enough to receive encouragement and support from my undergraduate time through graduate school, and I feel that it is only logical that if I have the opportunity help that I should. Seeing that the number of minority students in many fields is still small I feel it is important for those of us who have been able to get to the next level to reach back and help others get to where we are today.
Research interests
I am interested in African and African American Diaspora, Slavery and Slave descendant communities in the Diaspora, Native American and Indigenous culture and their intersection with African Diasporan cultures. I am also interested in
Urban African-American culture and studies of how race, class and gender issues affect the growth and development of urban communities. My dissertation research is focused on Madam C.J.Walker and will look at the daughter of former slaves
was able to negotiate through the race, gender, and class bias of her time and affect the Indiana Ave and West street communities of Indianapolis by living and basing her cosmetics and hair company in the community.
What I enjoy most about my graduate program
What I enjoy most about my graduate program is twofold. The department has very open and laid back atmosphere. Everyone in the department whether they are faculty or graduate student treats other as a colleague creating a feeling of inclusiveness which, allows for collaboration without the worry of competition. I also like the fact that the faculty is very diverse in its interests and accomplishments as it provides a unique perspective which will enable me to be successful and well rounded in my research.
Advice for prospective graduate students
I am a married graduate student and I find that it is important whether you are single or married to make sure that you set time aside for things other than just studies and research. Although we are here to work and work hard it is important to enjoy yourself and de-stress when necessary. We all need to relax from time to time especially if we want to be successful in the opportunities that are presented to us.
Additional Advice
I feel it is also important to make sure that you pick a school that will fit your personality and your needs, do choose a school just because of the prestige that may be attached to it. Find someone you want to work with, meet them, talk to them and talk to them again to make sure that you both will be comfortable working together before you pick the school. This is one of the biggest choices you will make, therefore make sure that you make an informed and well investigated choice.
Hobbies and interests
Spending time with my wife and son, guitar and music, photography, medieval reenactment, gourmet cooking, wine tasting, reading, computers camping, traveling.
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Mahauganee
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Academic area and expected graduation date:
Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA), Education Leadership and Policy Studies
School of Education
Mahauganee is in her second year and plans to graduate by Spring 2011.
Research interests
I am currently building an interdisciplinary minor in Crisis Management. My interests lie in studying campus preparation, responses, and recovery from events that disrupt campus operations and necessitate coordinated responses. Tied to my research on campus crisis management, is my interest in the organization and efficiency of student services and overall trends in student development and engagement.
Prior to coming to IU, I worked in the Division of Campus Life at Dillard University in New Orleans, LA through the experiences of the August 2005 hurricanes. I hope to tailor my dissertation topic to add to the body of research on campus crisis management and to contribute to the practices campuses employ in the aftermath of a major crisis.
What I enjoy most about my graduate program
The best part of my program is that I feel everyone, from the faculty to my classmates, has my best interest in mind and wants to help me succeed. Rather than being dissuaded, I am constantly encouraged to seek out new opportunities and to explore my interests.
At IU, I have an assistantship at the Center for Postsecondary Research, where I provide client services for the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), the Faculty Survey of Student Engagement (FSSE), and the Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement (BCSSE). Not only am I gaining firsthand experience working in a team on a major research project, but opportunities exist to tailor individualized research. Moving into my second year with the Center, I will be working closely with FSSE.
Advice for prospective graduate students
It is easy to get stuck in a routine, and thus to a certain portion of campus. I would encourage those coming to IU to make an intentional effort to explore what Indiana University and the surrounding Bloomington community have to offer. Though it may not always be apparent, there is something for everyone, regardless of what where you are in life. Within my first year here, I have become involved with both campus and community organizations and managed to balance those activities with my academic responsibilities. Go out and explore what exists within the Bloomington city limits!
Hobbies and interests
I LOVE a good arts and crafts project!! I also really enjoy playing Scrabble and Literati (the Yahoo games version of Scrabble), and if my graduate student budget allowed, I would love to travel.
Additional advice
I often hear graduate students and prospective graduate students question the diversity of the Bloomington community. I advocate that the diversity exists, but it is not always as apparent as it may be in larger cities. There is something here for everyone, and I’d be happy to share the tale of how I found my way and carved my path when I first arrived in Bloomington.
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Gustavo
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Academic area and expected graduation date:
Joint PhD program in Public Policy and Political Science
School of Public and Environmental Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences
Gustavo expects to graduate in the summer of 2010.
Research interests
My general research interests are in the area of intersection between environment and development, and to better understand the role of communities, their representative organizations, and the different levels of government in promoting sustainable resource management. My current research focuses on these interactions in the context of community-based forest management in Mexico. My dissertation looks to better understand why governments design certain policies for forest management and how do these policies affect community organizations and their forest management practices.
What I enjoy most about my graduate program
Its interdisciplinary nature and its global scope. Being able to interact and collaborate with scholars from different fields of study including political science, environmental science, economics, sociology, law, anthropology, among others, is a very enriching experience in academic and personal terms. In addition, every semester my research center brings in scholars from literally all over the world to participate in seminars or as visiting scholars. This is a unique opportunity to learn from other cultures and different perspectives on similar research problems.
Advice for prospective graduate students
- Choosing a graduate school is a big decision. Do not take it lightly. Chose a place where you feel comfortable not only academically but also personally. Consideration of your potential advisors for research is crucial, especially for a PhD. Chose a place with professors with highly compatible research interests. The student body in your program is also important, both in personal (friendships) and academic (research collaborations) terms. Of course, for this you need a clear idea of what your research interests are, including a possible dissertation topic (especially for the PhD).
- Do not rush into graduate school (I would not recommend flying in straight from undergrad, but that is my own personal thinking based on my experience and observations)
- Consider the financials. Programs that offer free rides for the whole stay are good in a way (you don’t have to do anything for the money) but might hinder the experience of research or teaching assistantship which other schools’ financial packages require.
- Finally, consider the location. Chose a place where you feel at home; this will depend on your particular priorities – do you like big cities, are you a small towner or outdoor person, do you appreciate diversity, do you really hate the cold weather, etc.
Additional advice
- Keep a network of friends and scholars around you for personal and academic support. Sometimes these networks are mostly separate, and this is ok.
- Be on the lookout for opportunities such as summer schools, internships, and the like in the first couple of years of your program. These will greatly enhance your personal and academic experience.
- Start planning your degree early, on your first year. Try to make a plan for the 2-3 years of coursework. Try to start defining your dissertation ideas as much as possible and identifying potential committee members. Time flies by!
Hobbies and Interests
On my ‘free time’ (is there such thing in the PhD?), I usually try to relax by going out with friends for dinner or cook-ins at someone’s house. Being with friends allows me to talk about non-academic things and have tons of good laughs. DANCING: There is also often dancing involved, as most of us love listening to and dancing to Latin American rhythms. When we have a chance we go dancing to Indy or to the Latin parties at Uncle Festers. It’s a great way to burn some calories, relieve stress, and have fun.
Otherwise a good movie is never to be missed. I also enjoy the outdoors a lot although I usually don’t have time (or a way to travel to places), and I specially love the beach although I now live too far from it. I also wish I had more time to read literature, especially magical realism from Latin America.
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