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Graduate School

Graduate School Newsletter - August 2024

Ice Cream Cone

Welcome Back Grad Jacks: Ice Cream Social 

The SDSU Graduate School is excited to welcome all graduate students, new and returning, to SDSU for the 2024-2025 academic year! Stop by the Sylvan Green for FREE SDSU ice cream, door prizes, and an opportunity to mingle with your fellow grad jacks. This event is open to ALL grad students.

    Thursday, August 29, 2024 3-4:30 p.m. CST

Sylvan Green (on the East side of the Coughlin Campanile)

Jack

Save the Date for One Day for STATE

One Day for STATE is more than a 24-hour day of giving, it’s a chance for Jackrabbits and friends to celebrate everything we love about SDSU. This year target your donation directly to the Graduate School. These funds will be used to directly support SDSU graduate student awards, scholarships and travel awards. Sign up to be an advocate TODAY and set your clocks for Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024! Visit One Day for STATE for more information!

Graduate Student Orientation

All students have access to the graduate student orientation through D2L. To add the orientation course to your D2L, follow the directions listed below. The orientation course is not required but serves as a resource for new and returning students to access throughout their time in graduate school.
 

How do I enroll?

  1. On your D2L homepage, select Discover.
  2. Type the course name in the search bar - 'Graduate Student Orientation.'
  3. Select Course and click 'Enroll in Course.'
Maral Afshinpour

Graduate Student Spotlight - Maral Afshinpour

Graduate Program: Ph.D. Biochemistry
Hometown: Borojerd, Iran
Accolades: Published 2 articles in esteemed journals, presented research at an international conference, developed a computational web server called AQcalc, received the JF Nelson Scholarship and Logue Award for Research Excellence

What led you to attending SDSU?
I chose SDSU because of its strong biochemistry program, supporting faculty, dynamic department and specifically the opportunity to work with Dr. Suvobrata Chakravarty, which allows me to combine computational and experimental biochemistry in my research.

What has been your experience as a Ph.D. student at SDSU?
My experience at SDSU has been incredibly rewarding. The support from the faculty and the collaborative environment have greatly advanced my research interests in proteome complexity SDSU’s commitment to fostering innovative research and providing a dynamic academic environment has been instrumental in my development as a researcher.
What advice do you have for others considering graduate school?
Focus on building solid knowledge and seeking interdisciplinary research opportunities. Persistence, collaboration and passion for research are keys to success in graduate studies.

What are your future plans?
Continuing my research on human protein structure and functions and developing cutting-edge tools for protein functional studies, ultimately contributing to valuable discoveries in the complex biological process involved in diseases.

Ujwal Subedi

Graduate Student Spotlight - Ujwal Subedi

Graduate Program: Ph.D. Biochemistry
Home Country: Nepal
Accolades: Published 4 conference proceedings and 1 research paper in a prestigious journal. Also nominated for the departmental Graduate Teaching Excellence Award

What led you to attending SDSU?
SDSU is a highly reputed university in the U.S., particularly for its inclusive environment that welcomes international students like me. I was confident that earning a degree from this university opens countless opportunities for me in the future.

What has been your experience as a Ph.D. student at SDSU?
My Ph.D. journey was a roller coaster ride, with moments of low mood when results were elusive and moments of joy when we achieved breakthroughs that reshaped our research direction. The challenges I encountered during my Ph.D. pushed me to delve deeper into research and acquire profound knowledge. Despite its difficulties, I cherish every memory of my journey because they have collectively shaped me into the researcher I am today.

What advice do you have for others considering graduate school?
I want to emphasize that despite the demanding and challenging nature of the journey, which requires full dedication and devotion, the support from both academic and administrative SDSU faculty and staff makes it a truly enriching experience. Beyond acquiring skills and knowledge for your career, their warmth, love and guidance are memorable and invaluable throughout every step of your journey.

What are your future plans?
I am excited to embark on my next chapter as a postdoctoral researcher at a highly esteemed institute Mayo Clinic., a milestone that has been made possible by the strong foundation established during my Ph.D. journey at SDSU.

Important Upcoming Dates

  • September 27, 2024 - Official Transcripts Available
  • Oct. 2024 - Diplomas Available

Deadlines to Keep in Mind:

Awards

Scholarships

Competition

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