THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

May 2022 Message from Dean Mayo

Dear Members of The Graduate School (TGS) Community,

This is an exciting time of the year as we near the end of another academic cycle. The passion and accomplishments of Northwestern’s graduate students and postdoctoral trainees are on full display through conference presentations, dissertation defenses, theatrical performances, job interviews, award ceremonies, and many other scholarly endeavors.
 
This time of the year and its activities remind me of the importance of communicating your accomplishments in a way that resonates with your audiences. It is important to be able to convey your studies to a variety of colleagues, whether that be in a classroom, laboratory, studio, or boardroom, so others can embrace your ideas and impact meaningful change.
 
Learning to communicate often starts in classrooms, labs, and studios where graduate students and postdoctoral trainees have opportunities to hone their skills in presenting data and giving talks, demonstrations, or performances. Practicing your elevator pitch, writing one-pagers, and even participating in our TGS Spotlight series are all further ways to practice explaining your scholarship to others. Taking advantage of teaching and mentorship opportunities also helps you develop critical thinking skills, communication abilities, and personal management attributes that will serve you well in the future.
 
The Graduate School is proud to help foster and develop the communication and presentation abilities of graduate students and postdoctoral trainees through our partnerships with various schools and campus support units. These include the Graduate Writing Place, the Kaplan Institute for the Humanities, and English Language Programs (ELP) for our international students and scholars. In addition, Northwestern offers a variety of courses designed to improve communication skills.
 
Skills & Careers in Science Writing is a partnership between the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, The Graduate School, and Science in Society for Northwestern STEM+ PhD candidates interested in developing science writing and communication skills. The Research Communication Training Program (RCTP) is a 10-week workshop series for TGS graduate students and postdoctoral scholars that is designed to enhance communication skills across disciplines and backgrounds. The Public Humanities Graduate Research Workshop is a year-long program that helps graduate students explore what constitutes publicly engaged scholarship while developing more grounded communication, translational, and professional skills to pursue a diverse set of careers in and beyond the university.
 
No matter your career aspirations, it is vital to be able to communicate your academic research. Whether through the courses and partnerships described above, or through community engagement, I encourage you to spend time honing your communication skills as part of your academic journey. It will serve you well as you prepare for life beyond Northwestern.
 
My best wishes to you as we embrace the summer months. May you find some time to relax and enjoy the company of your family and friends. I will return with my monthly messages this fall when we usher in a new academic year. Until then, please know The Graduate School is here for you year-round and my door is always open.
 
Sincerely,
Kelly
 
Kelly E. Mayo
Walter and Jennie Bayne Professor of Molecular Biosciences
Dean of The Graduate School and
Associate Provost for Graduate Education

Dean's Monthly Recognition

Each month, I am pleased to recognize an individual or group who represents excellence in supporting the graduate and postdoctoral experience at Northwestern. 

This month, I am happy to recognize Kiki Zissimopoulos ’13 PhD, Research Communication Training Program (RCTP) coordinator and assistant professor of instruction and first-year adviser in the McCormick Office of Undergraduate Engineering. Kiki became especially interested in science communication after participating in the inaugural offering of RCTP (then called RSG) as a biomedical engineering graduate student. Her post-graduate work as a teaching and learning consultant and educational researcher provided her with a deep understanding of how people learn. She applies these insights both in her faculty role and in understanding effective science communication. We are grateful for Kiki’s instructional talents and her ongoing support of our graduate and postdoctoral communities.

Categories: From the Dean