Graduate Student Appreciation Week

Graduate Student Appreciation Week

Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week was started in 1993 by the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students as a way to support and appreciate graduate and professional students. The week seeks to emphasize the contributions, impact and value of graduate and professional students on campuses throughout the United States.

 

 

This year's Graduate Student Appreciation Week will take place from April 3 - 7, 2023:

 


Message to Students from CCAS Dean Wahlbeck

 


Events

The events we will be hosting for CCAS graduate students are listed below. The Office of Graduate and Postdoctral Affairs will also be hosting a number of centrally-planned events throughout the week for all GW graduate students. 

 

Tuesday, April 4

Resume Madness, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Virtual)

Meet with our Graduate Student Career Counselor, Paul Binkley, for a quick review of your resume! Students can make 15-minute Zoom appointments to receive insight and advice for how to make their resume pop! If you have a resume or cover letter that you would like us to review in advance (even rough drafts), please send them in advance to [email protected]. If you are planning to apply to a specific position, please send a job description in advance as well. Registration is required through the link above.

 

Minute to Win it Game Night, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (District House B207)

Take a study break and join us for some fun Minute to Win it games! Come meet new people, grab a bite to eat, and win some great prizes! Registration is required through the link above.

 

Wednesday, April 5

DEI and You: How CCAS is elevating equity, honoring diversity, and leading the way inclusively, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (Virtual)

Interested in learning more about the College's strategies and goals for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion? If so, join us virtually for an introductory event to our new DEI Office. Meet the newly appointed DEI Director and DEI Manager. They will discuss DEI programming and other activities within the college, as well as take your questions live. In addition, hear from a fellow graduate student about why DEI is important for their GW graduate student experience. Registration is required through the link above. 

 

Ice Cream Social, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM (Smith Hall, Suite 118)

Join us outside Smith Hall, Suite 118 for ice cream and CCAS swag! Registration is not required, just stop by!

 

Thursday, April 6

Tour of the Textile Museum and Pizza Lunch, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (GW Textile Museum)

From clothing to carpets, all textiles share four basic elements: fiber, structure, color, and decoration. Textiles 101 invites you to explore the creation of handmade textiles from ancient times to today. Touch fibers in raw and processed forms, practice weaving techniques, and digitally design your own textile! Meet us at the Textile Museum and join us after the tour for a pizza lunch in District House Rm B206! Registration is required through the link above. 

 


Daily Prize Draw

Each day during Graduate Student Appreciation Week, we will randomly draw a CCAS graduate student's name to win a swag bag! Make sure you check you email in case you've won!

 


Awards and Prizes

2023 3MT Competition Winners

Congratulations to the 2023 3MT competition winners!

  • First Place: Ryan Welch (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, SEAS)
  • Second Place: Jacob Medina (Cancer Biology, CCAS)
  • Third Place: Nate Harris (Economics, CCAS)
  • People's Choice: Anastasia Sarmakeeva (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, SEAS)

2023 Bouchet Honor Society Inductees

Congratulations to our 2023 Bouchet Honor Society Inductees!

  • Vernicia Griffie (Public Policy and Public Administration, CCAS)
  • Etai Mizrav (Education Policy, GSEHD)
  • Vinaya Murthy (Translational Health Science, SMHS)
  • Rachel Nelson (Human Paleobiology, CCAS)
  • Simone Sawyer (Social and Behavioral Sciences, SPH)
  • Gerald Jae (GJ) Sevillano (American Studies, CCAS) 

2023 Philip J. Amsterdam Graduate Teaching Assistant Award Winners

Congratulations to the award winners from CCAS!

  • Sylvain Nyandwi (Anthropology)
  • Tori Tensi (Sociology)

2023 Philip J. Amsterdam Graduate Teaching Assistant Award Finalists

Congratulations to the finalists from CCAS!

  • Lucas Chandler (Physics)
  • Samantha Silver (American Studies)
  • Joshua Sparks (Statistics)

2023 WID Distinguished Graduate Student Teaching Award

Congratulations to the 2023 awardee!

  • Samantha Silver (American Studies)

 


Shout-Outs

 

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Evan Linett 

Sending a special shout-out to Evan for being a model student and for always being willing to provide help and support to his fellow TSPPPA students. Evan supports all events at TSPPPA and has a positive can-do attitude. I am always delighted to work with him. 

Gregory Nelson, Lead Student Services Specialist, TSPPPA

 

Benedict Vergara

Thank you for always being so helpful and willing to volunteer your time for your department and other departments! You are such a leader for the ECE grad students!

Biology Administrative Supervisor

 

George Doumit 

Congratulations George! Your hard work and persistence have produced an amazing piece of work that will have real-world impacts now and in the future. 

Brendan & Zach

 

Sakshi Kataria

Sakshi is indispensable in telling the story of the GW Regulatory Studies Center: her contributions make our weekly Digest newsletter a must-read for policy professionals and her expertise in producing our podcast series brings new engagement with our audiences. She is a wonderful collaborator and a talented designer!

Nate Thompson

 

Vernicia Griffie

Vernicia excels in all aspects of her work.  She is an incredibly strong scholar and a gifted teacher.  The entire Trachtenberg School community has benefited from her dedication, scholarship, and collegiality.

Dylan Conger, Professor

 

Georgie Pierre

Georgie is one of the hardest-working graduate students I know. Her dedication to the department and to her leadership roles in various student orgs is a model for others to follow. She gives her time, energy, and creativity to make a difference. 

Gregory Nelson, Lead Student Services Specialist, TSPPPA

 

Layvon Washington

The Regulatory Studies Center is fortunate to have Layvon on our team! It's impressive to see his research and scholarship as a doctoral student pushing forward our center's work in areas of cybersecurity, national security, technology, and foreign investment.

Nate Thompson

 

Stephen Cofie

Stephen - thank you for always being humble and generous with your time. You are always available to help and will just stop by campus just to say hi. We appreciate all the help and support that you have provided over the years. Thank you, Stephen, I am proud of you, and early congratulations on completing the master's program!

Gregory Nelson, Lead Student Services Specialist, TSPPPA

 

Arundhati Gupta

Thank you, Aru, for taking the Data Science Association to such a high level.  Your leadership has been outstanding!  

Mary Gohar, Data Science Associate Program Director

 

Yaxin Zhuang

Shout out to Yaxin Zhuang for providing excellent research assistance to our team through data analysis efforts! Thank you Yaxin!

Zoey Xie, GW Regulatory Studies Center

 

Julia Jin

Thank you, Julia, for all your dedication and hard work with the Data Science Association!

Mary Gohar, Data Science Associate Program Director

 

Joshua Ghofrani

Congratulations, Joshua!  We want to celebrate your GW Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Prize at the 2022 Research Showcase and your appointment to the T-32 training grant in HIV Persistence, Comorbidities, and Treatment. Keep up the awesome research!

GWIBS Team

 

Anthony Okoye

Thank you, Anthony, for your dedication and vision in our setting up our new Data Science Help Desk.  Your work has been outstanding and your support to our program is invaluable.

Mary Gohar, Data Science Associate Program Director

 

Anthony Okoye

Anthony, thank you for your amazing work at the Data Science Help Desk!!  You helped so many fellow students in ways that very few people can. We are truly grateful for your dedication and service.

Edwin Lo

 

Hannah Smith

Congratulations, Hannah! You wowed us with your first place win of the Clinical Translational Research Prize at the 2022 Research Showcase, and we really appreciate your service as an IBS ambassador at this year's admissions open house. 

GWIBS Team

 

Jacob Medina

Jacob – what a year! You won both 2nd place in Clinical Translational Research and 1st Runner Up for an IBS Program Award in the Research Showcase, and 2nd place in the Three Minute Thesis Competition. You were also a fantastic student ambassador during our open house and visit days! 

GWIBS Team

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Susan Weiner

Thank you, Susan, for your service on the GWSOBS e-board and your indispensable leadership in coordinating our student ambassadors for this year's admissions visits! 

GWIBS Team

 

Davis Brock

Davis, thank you for your service as an IBS student ambassador this year, we appreciate you! 

GWIBS Team

 

Vera Mariani

Vera, thank you welcoming our visiting applicants as an IBS student ambassador! 

GWIBS Team

 

Claudia Melo

Thank you, Claudia for welcoming our visiting applicants as an IBS student ambassador!

GWIBS Team

 

Pamela Chansky

Congratulations, Pamela, on receiving a Cosmos Scholar Grant for your research, and thank you for your service as a student ambassador. Keep up the amazing work!

GWIBS Team

 

Emily Williams

Emily, thank you for your incredible leadership as GWSOBS Vice President and for your service as a student ambassador! 

GWIBS Team

 

Samantha Dow

Congratulations, Samantha! You won both the CTSI-CN Prize for Promoting Health Equity and a 2nd Runner Up IBS Program Award in the Research Showcase, and earned an NIH F31 grant. Wow! We also appreciate your service as a student ambassador at APS and during our visit days. 

GWIBS Team

 

Carissa Stover

Carissa, thank you for your exemplary leadership as president of GWSOBS! Thank you also for serving as a student ambassador and presenting during our visit days. We appreciate your dedication to the IBS student community! 

GWIBS Team

 

Claire Charpentier

Congratulations, Claire, on earning an NIH F31 grant! That's awesome. We'd also like to celebrate your runner-up award in the Art of Science contest and your participation in the 3MT competition. Thank you for your service as a student ambassador during this year's visit days! 

GWIBS Team

 

Brendan Mann

Congratulations, Brendan for winning the 1st place IBS Program Award in the 2022 Research Showcase. Thank you also for your service as a student ambassador during this year's visit days. 

GWIBS Team

 

Erin Grundy

Erin, congratulations! You earned an NIH F31 grant and won 3rd Runner Up win in the IBS Program Awards at Research Day! In addition to your great research skills, we appreciate your service on the GWSOBS eboard and as a student ambassador!

GWIBS Team

 

Natalie Howard

Thank you, Natalie, for your service as a student ambassador during this year's visit days. We appreciate you! 

GWIBS Team

 

Jenna Clements

Thank you, Jenna, for your service on the GWSOBS eboard! We appreciate your dedication to the IBS student community. 

GWIBS Team

 

Lana Jagannathan

Lana, thank you for your leadership as secretary and program rep on the GWSOBS eboard! Thank you also for your service as a student ambassador at this year's open house. We appreciate the energy you bring to strengthening the IBS student community.

GWIBS Team

 

Sarah Tiufekchiev

Thank you, Sarah, for your service as GWSOBS 1st year rep! Way to hit the ground running and dive right into leadership!

GWIBS Team

 

Trace Walker

Trace, thank you for your service this year as GWSOBS treasurer and campus rep! Major kudos to you on the success of the Fall Fundraiser. Congratulations, also, on your appointment to the Cancer Biology T-32!

GWIBS Team

 

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Blake Cooper

Thank you, Blake, for your leadership on the GWSOBS eboard and for your valuable contributions to the Qualifying Exam Review Committee. We appreciate all of the time and energy you put into the IBS student community! 

GWIBS Team

 

Danielle Sohai

Danielle, thank you for serving as an IBS student ambassador at ABRCMS this year! We appreciate the presence you brought to the midst of a busy conference!

GWIBS Team

 

Sally Feng

Thank you, Sally, for serving as a student ambassador at the NIH open house. Your perspective was valuable! 

GWIBS Team

 

Sara Felsen

Sara, thank you for joining us as a student ambassador at the NIH open house. We appreciate you! 

GWIBS Team

 

Joselyn Padilla

Joselyn, congratulations on your appointment to the T-32 training grant in Cancer Biology. They are lucky to have you!  

GWIBS Team

 

Tyler Seckar

Congratulations, Tyler, on your appointment to the T-32 training grant in Cancer Biology. You are a wonderful addition to the T-32 program! Additionally, thank you for your service on the Qualifying Exam Review Committee. 

GWIBS Team

 

Brita Ostermeier

Brita, congratulations on being named to the T-32 training grant in HIV Persistence, Comorbidities, and Treatment. You're a fantastic addition to the T-32 program! 

GWIBS Team

 

Samantha Chin

Congratulations, Samantha, on winning a Cosmos Scholar Grant to support your research. Keep up the great work! 

GWIBS Team

 

Neerja Vashist

Neerja, thank you for your time and your insights in serving on the Qualifying Exam Review Committee! 

GWIBS Team

 

Kailyn Price

Kailyn, congratulations on being named an SfN Neuroscience Scholars Program Fellow! What a fantastic achievement! Additionally, thank you for your insightful contributions to the Qualifying Exam Review Committee.

GWIBS Team

 

Tyson Dawson

Tyson, congratulations on winning runner-up in this year's Art of Science contest!

GWIBS Team

 

Sydney Woods

Thank you, Sydney, for your service as an IBS student ambassador and GWSOBS board member and for your role in planning the delightful GWSOBS Holiday Party and Valentine's Day events!

GWIBS Team

 

Shenyun

You're thoughtful, reflective, and insightful! I couldn't appreciate you more, in both class discussions and beyond the academic world.

Red

 

Youyang

Your friendly, kind, and positive attitude never fails to brighten up my day and make a splash.

Orange

 

Talya

Your caring and attentive nature serves you well: you're going to be a great psychologist!

Yellow

 

Zahraa

So many of your comments in class paint such a vibrant, contemplative picture, gracious to the many nuances and layers. I value your contributions, thoughtful and warm, more than I can say.

Green

 

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Liz Foshe

Liz is one of the most intelligent beautiful souls I’ve gotten to know. She always lights up the room, has something introspective to say, and exudes care and generosity in best way! 

Shealyn Fraser American Studies Graduate Student

 

Afrah Ahmed

Hi. You are super smart and capable and awesome. I'm proud of you :) 

Your Biggest Fan

 

Mikayla Talmud

You're an even bigger star than Vance Joy in my heart. Thanks for being an A+ HHC partner and overall pal. 

Your Concert Companion 

 

Maggie Poole

Thanks for always knowing - and sharing - when things are due and when we have track meetings. You're a terrific babysitter and splendid SAIL Group 1 member. 

Your adoring SAIL 1 member

 

Christine Hughes

Queen of the Clinic and Bearer of Beanies: you deserve ALL the peace and love. HAGS WPAL,

Anonymous (jk it's Emily)

 

Dajana Peric

Shout-out to Dajana Peric for being an amazing artist and cohort. It has been an honor and pleasure get to know you for the past two years. Wish you the best!

AD, MFA

 

Teresa Murphy

Teresa is developing new HIV assays to study antibodies. She's doing great science and is such a great teammate for the lab!

Rebecca Lynch

 

Tanya Bakshi

Tanya...You have been an absolutely outstanding TA in PPPA 6005 and I have enjoyed very much working with you!

Joe Cordes, Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration

 

Allie Collier

Shout-out to Allie Collier for being an amazing artist/photographer. You bring so much creativity and passion to your work which continues to inspire me each and every day.  I feel very lucky to have you as a cohort for the past two years. Good luck and wish you nothing but the best!

AD, MFA

 

Bria Fitz and Jenny Cai

Bria and Jenny, THANK YOU for being such wonderful graduate representatives for your cohorts! You rock!!!! We really loved the initiative you took in proposing swag for our 50th anniversary, running a logo contest, and researching mug and tshirt options- so much time and so much creativity!! We can't wait to celebrate with you on Ap 14!! We also appreciate all the effort you took to meet with candidates during our search and help us with outreach to newly admitted students. We know that all such activities take time and you are busy people...  WGSS truly appreciates your leadership and service!!

Ashwini Tambe

 

Bosco Yeung

Bosco - thank you for taking on the many duties of leadership for the Political Science Graduate Student Caucus! You've done this with much efficiency, friendliness, and foresight. 

Director of Graduate Studies for Political Science (I.Creppell)

 

Alan Devenport

For stepping out of your comfort zone and giving your best in your art practice while always being generous with us, your friends.

Dajana Peric

 

Sara Felsen

Great to have you in the lab.  Looking forward to amazing science!

Joshua Corbin

 

Jessica Schenck

Jess, you are great!

Michael

 

Teresa Murphy

You're doing amazing work!

Samantha

 

Andrea Langeland

Congrats Andrea on passing your general exam and publishing another huge paper! you are rocking it in your PhD!!

Damien O'Halloran

 

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Lindsey Ljungberg

I'm so proud of all the work you put into every aspect of your life. I think you're amazing and hope I grow up to be you one day!

Sophia

 

Emily Williams

Congratulations to Emily Williams, a 2nd-year student in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences (IBS) PhD program on her recent co-first author publication on TRIM28 in prostate cancer! This is Emily’s first publication. Read here: https://rdcu.be/c66JH

Maho Shibata, Graduate Advisor

 

Anu Sawhney

Anu, thank you for making me feel welcome since I was a prospective student, for guiding me through all things PSP, and for being such a wonderful friend! I am so lucky that GW brought us together. 

Courtney

 

Tiara Haynesworth

Thank you, Tiara, for everything you do for us!! Good luck with the rest of the semester!

Amélie, CCAS Office of Graduate Studies

 

Erin Grundy

Dear Erin,

Thank you for all of your hard work in the Chiappinelli Lab this past year both to move your own projects forward and to train others in the lab. Congratulations on the collaborative Nature Comms paper coming out shortly and on Khadra completing her thesis soon!

Kate

 

Tomas

Dear Tomas,

Thank you for your hard work in the Chiappinelli Lab this year to submit and revise your work on TEs in cancer progression to Cancer Research. It's a beautiful manuscript that you should be proud of and a significant advance in the field. Looking forward to your thesis defense!

Kate

 

Trace

Dear Trace,

Thank you for your hard work in the Chiappinelli Lab this year! I am so proud of you for passing your QE with flying colors and for submitting your F31 for the April deadline. Really looking forward to all of the exciting science you are going to do. 

Kate

 

Bianca Batar

Bianca, you rock my socks off! Keep up the great work!

Abby

 

Jocelyn Marquez

You are doing great Jocelyn! So glad you stayed this extra year for the MS. Great things ahead for you! 

John Lill

 

Luc Micheels

Almost done with classes, Luc! Looking forward to having you around the lab this summer and learning more about Limacodids. Thesis project is going to be great.

John Lill

 

Sami Pabley

Dearest Sami,

Thank you for making school and life a little lighter. Your energy brings warmth and ease to even the hardest of days. You are doing an absolutely fantastic job with everything and should be so proud of yourself always. You impress and inspire me every day!

Love,

Michelle 

 

Thao Trinh

I'm so proud of you and then 100% you give to everything. Your thoughtfulness and attention to detail are phenomenal and you're a fantastic person to boot! 

Sophia

 

Tanya Bakshi

Hey Tanya,

You are an outstanding Grad student. I enjoy reading your book summaries and admire your eloquence. You are a smart lady and I am sure the future is gonna be very bright. All the best on your PhD journey! Leonard

1st year PhD candidate, Trachtenberg School

 

Elfriede Kudom-Agyemang

Hello Elfy,

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation next month! You are an epitome of resilience. You braved this academic trajectory amidst all the challenges faced as an international student...you never gave up! I am so proud of you and you deserve a standing ovation! All the best,

Leonard

Leonard Ngumbah (PhD candidate, Trachtenberg School)

 

Dhaivat Raval

Congratulations on completing so many years of hard work! I am sure they will serve you well and guide you to great places going forward. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors!

Amélie, CCAS Office of Graduate Studies

 

Kate AuBuchon

KATE! You're a rockstar and such an inspiration. You're so incredibly passionate about research, student success, and teaching/mentoring. You're a joy to be around and deserve all the recognition! Keep on being a success story <3 

ASP Grad Student

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Caroline Hahm

Thank you for coming by our office! Your ability to clearly and calmly express yourself while approaching situations head-on is truly impressive. Good luck as you complete the rest of your program!

Amélie, CCAS Office of Graduate Studies

 

Rebecca Hoffman

Becca! You're such a great resource and mentor. Your passions and drive for research are noteworthy. Congrats on publishing in your dream journal (Appetite)! Best of luck on finishing your dissertation, we're all proud of you <3 

ASP Grad Student

 

Maheen Javaid

Maheen is a fellow PhD student who has been very helpful during my PhD experience. She is selfless and ready for discussions on research ideas. She is conducting excellent research on human capital and development related topics. We call her our 'Econometrics Buff!'

Random Variable

 

Taylor-Jo Russo

Taylor! Being a first-year student can be hard, but you make it look easy! Congrats on getting a research GRANT and being an AMAZING TA! Keep on spreading your positive energy! 

ASP Grad Student

 

Harini Krishnamurti

Harini! Your motivation for research is envious. You're so passionate, curious, and innovative when it comes to research design. Your dedication to the lab is strong and as a first year, you're already taking on so much! Keep being you: independent and fearless. 

ASP Grad Student

 

Luke Herchenroeder

Luke, congrats on attending two conferences already this year! Congrats on also receiving a summer teaching appointment, I know your future students will be in good shape! Keep making power moves! 

ASP Grad Student

 

Arianne Malekzadeh

Arianne, you're a true icon! You always know the right direction to take and are a great problem solver. Congrats on receiving a research grant last fall - you're a fantastic collaborator! 

ASP Grad Student

 

Stacy Post

Stacy! Your passion and drive for research is strong. Your creativity and strive to do something unique in your research is admirable. You're a great mentor, both formally and informally. Keep being awesome and spreading happiness!

ASP Grad Student

 

Anna Marie Siegel

Congratulations on starting the next stage of your research!! We truly appreciate your dedication to our students, faculty, and staff members, as well all the support and guidance you share every day. 

The Student Services Team

 

David Kennie

He’s a really good Dave, maybe not the best Dave but a good Dave none the less. He has been a strong advocate for ethics in the academic environment. He’s been an inspiration to so many through his personal commitment to dieting. 

Dave # 1

 

Jenny Cai

Shout out to my fellow WGSS graduate student Jenny Cai who will present her research in CCAS Research Showcase 2023!

Martha

 

Bria Fitz

Congratulations, Bria Fitz on your Making a Difference Award from WGSS Spring Awards 2023!

Martha

 

Mary Jobe

You are the brightest light in the program, bringing everyone together and filling the office with pure joy. We are grateful to know you and have you in this program. You are inspiring, such a great resource to have, and are destined to do great things. We love you!

ASP Grad Student

 

Mary Jobe

Mary! You are such a hard worker and have grown so much in your time in the program! You are SO CLOSE to getting over the biggest hump in the road you will be facing this semester. Keep your head in the game and keep pushing through those readings - we're all behind you!

ASP Grad Student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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