UGA Graduate School: Spotlight Archive

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Spotlight Archive

Sept. 01, 2009 -- Arena Richardson

Arena Richardson is a 2009 toxicology Ph.D. candidate. Her research, under the guidance of her professor, Mary Alice Smith, focuses on a bacterium called E. sakazakii that is often associated with contaminated powdered infant formulas implicated in premature infant disease and mortality. Richardson and Smith studied a bacterial strain in mice that resembles the infection in premature infants to discover how E. sakazakii gains access to the brain. Their research may shed light on how to develop best methods for treating or preventing the infection, which can lead to hydrocephaly, meningitis, mental retardation or death in infants. More

Oct. 01, 2009 -- Jessica Cook Hale

Jessica Cook Hale, a Ph.D. candidate in geoarchaeology, is a member of a UGA team that is establishing the archaeological history behind the Wormsloe historic site in Savannah, Ga. As evidenced by her multidisciplinary background, Hale’s research uses satellite mapping, archived photography, and minimal excavation to understand the storied history behind Wormsloe. Along with her team, her work is building a wealth of information for historians, archaeologists and ecologists to use in their future studies, while preserving the historical environment. More

Nov. 02, 2009 -- Chris Hopkins

Chris Hopkins, a Ph.D. candidate in biochemistry and molecular biology, works in Dr. Michael W. Adams’ lab, where he researches the nature of hydrogen-producing enzymes. Hopkins conducts research under the guidance of Dr. Adams, a Distinguished Research Professor, which focuses on understanding the behavior and possibilities of an enzyme called hydrogenase. The end results of Hopkins’ research will inform future research for clean biological hydrogen production. More

Nov. 16, 2009 -- Craig Hawkins

Drawing since the age of two, Craig Hawkins, now a master’s student in fine arts, creates expressive, realistic artwork in a small studio in the Lamar Dodd School of Art. Often using charcoal or oil, Hawkins’ intricate artwork engages the viewer with sharp contrasts, reflective composition, and life-sized proportions. While working on his own art, Hawkins is building his teaching experience at UGA with the goal of becoming an art professor. More

Nov. 30, 2009 -- UGA ARCS Foundation Scholars

The Atlanta chapter of the ARCS Foundation, Inc. has awarded $45,000 in fellowships to seven outstanding American doctoral students in the biomedical and health sciences at the University of Georgia.

UGA recipients of the award are selected through the UGA Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute. This year’s ARCS Scholars represent the UGA departments of cellular biology, biochemistry, psychology, neuroscience and pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences. More

Jan. 21, 2010 -- Dylan Wann

Dylan Wann is a master’s student in crop and soil sciences at UGA’s Tifton campus. After being recruited while attending a conference in Texas, he came to UGA with the goal of improving agricultural practices both domestically and abroad in Third World countries. Along with Dr. R. Scott Tubbs, Wann is researching how to improve growing organic peanuts in humid climates. In addition, Wann and Dr. Tubbs are examining how to maximize crop yields with the use of different cover crops. More

Feb. 08, 2010 -- Come Celebrate 100 Years!

The Graduate School kicks off a year-long celebration with the Centennial Kickoff on Jan. 28 at 3:30 p.m. in the Grand Hall of the Tate Student Center. The inaugural event will include remarks by Michael Adams, UGA president, and Maureen Grasso, dean of the Graduate School. An address by Debra Stewart, president of the Council of Graduate School, and the presentation of the first annual Graduate School’s Innovation in Graduate Education Award will focus on the future of graduate education. Stewart’s speech will discuss opportunities and challenges and how universities can prepare for oncoming changes in graduate education. Continued

Feb. 22, 2010 -- Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Program

Last month, the Interdisciplinary Life Sciences program was recognized by the Graduate School with the Innovation in Graduate Education award. The ILS program allows doctoral students to choose a home department and research focus after trying a breadth of classes. One year in, ILS students are beginning to choose their research topics after exploring the intricacies of interdisciplinary research. Read more to learn about the students’ responses to being a part of this innovative program at UGA. Continued

Mar. 15, 2010 -- Planting Seeds for Graduate Education

Robert Shostak, Cara Gormally, Graduate School Dean Maureen Grasso, and Mark Fisher put the finishing touches on planting a Nuttall oak tree near Terrell Hall on North Campus on Feb. 19, 2010. The tree symbolizes planting seeds for graduate education in honor of the Graduate School’s Centennial during 2010. One of four trees to be planted throughout the year, the oak tree will become part of the UGA Campus Arboretum, a designation that ensures an ongoing renewal of the campus. Continued

Mar. 29, 2010 -- GSA: Health and the Disciplines Conference

On March 27 in the Miller Learning Center, UGA masters and doctoral students will present their original research at an on-campus conference sponsored by the Graduate Student Association. The interdisciplinary conference, called Health and the Disciplines, will include research spanning many UGA departments. Dr. Steve Oliver will deliver the keynote address on his research to improve biology education for veterinary medicine and high school students. Graduate student presentations begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 4:45 p.m. on the first floor of the Miller Learning Center. Continued

Apr. 05, 2010 -- 10^th Annual Mary Frances Early Lecture

Andrew Young, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and civil rights leader, will deliver the 2010 Mary Frances Early Lecture at 4 p.m. April 6 in the UGA Chapel. Ambassador Young first came to national prominence when he served as a top aide and ordained minister to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement. More recently, Ambassador Young has concentrated on humanitarian efforts in Africa and the Caribbean. The annual lecture honors Mary Frances Early, the first African-American to earn a degree from UGA, and her legacy at UGA. Continued

Read about Mary France Early’s experiences, struggles and triumphs in becoming UGA’s first African-American graduate.

Apr. 26, 2010 -- Excellence in Graduate Student Research Award Recipients

Dean Maureen Grasso of the Graduate School presents the 2010 Graduate Student Excellence in Research awards to Callie Burt, Stacy Isenbarger, Katie Price and Michael Strickland on Thursday, March 25, 2010. The awards recognize meaningful and significant scholarship done by UGA graduate students. Continued

May 10, 2010 -- Outstanding Mentoring Awards

The UGA Graduate School has selected professors Bram Tucker and Nate Nibbelink to receive the annual Outstanding Mentoring Awards.

Tucker often uses his own ethnographic fieldwork in Madagascar as a research starting point for his graduate students. He has helped his graduate students secure funding from the National Science Foundation and Fulbright Scholar Program.

Nibbelink and his students apply spatial analysis theory and technology to ecological problems and natural resource management. Graduate students in his lab say his extensive involvement frees them to undertake far-reaching research projects. Continued.

May 24, 2010 -- Excellence in Teaching Awards

The Graduate School honored five UGA graduate student teachers with its annual Excellence in Teaching Awards.

The 2010 Excellence in Teaching Awards recipients:

Matthew Forsyth – English & Creative Writing

Tony Gonzalez – Japanese Language

Ren Hullender – Art Education

Carly Jordan – Biology

Noreen Lyell – Microbiology

The Graduate School established the Excellence in Teaching Awards to recognize students who demonstrate superior teaching skills and contribute to teaching beyond their own classroom responsibilities. These five students exemplify these standards.

Read more about all five award recipients and their approaches to teaching and mentoring at UGA.

Jun 14, 2010 -- Diversity Awards

The Graduate School Diversity Awards recognize students and faculty who strive for a diverse learning environment and work with underrepresented populations.

This year’s diversity award recipients include the following UGA faculty and graduate students:

Dr. John Carroll – Faculty Diversity Award

Matthew Goren – Diversity Research Scholarship

Fuad Elhage – Graduate Student Diversity Engagement Award

Judith Oliver – Graduate Student Diversity Engagement Award

The Graduate School established the Diversity Awards to recognize UGA students and faculty who work toward promoting opportunities for underrepresented populations and achieving diversity on UGA’s campus and within the larger community.

Read more about this year’s Diversity Award recipients.

Jul 05, 2010 -- Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate Recipients

The Graduate School and the Center for Teaching and Learning offer the Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in University Teaching to provide doctoral and terminal professional degree students with a comprehensive program that enhances the student’s teaching skills and prepares them for future academic positions.

Among other requirements, students complete the certificate by teaching in the classroom, participating in professional development activities, learning instructional research methodology, and developing creative teaching projects.

This year’s Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in University Teaching recipients includes the following current and recent UGA graduate students:

Jim Gigantino

Cara Gormally

Sarah Jardeleza

Carly Jordan

Frankie Weinberg

Wenyi Zhou

Read more about the Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate in University Teaching and the 2010 certificate recipients.

Aug 02, 2010 -- Elizabeth Simpson

Psychology graduate student Elizabeth Simpson studies infant social perception and facial identity recognition at UGA’s Infant Attention Lab. By studying the youngest humans, she is exploring the emergence of human facial identity during infancy and the nature of facial recognition in humans. Her research has the ability to better understand human perceptions and help people with facial recognition conditions. Simpson has also avidly pursued teaching opportunities throughout her graduate education. Read more about Simpson’s psychology research at UGA.

Aug 16, 2010 -- Gareth Sheppard

Gareth Sheppard, a doctoral student in chemistry, dreams big. After all, the outcomes from his research could eventually combat diseases in Third World countries, detect toxins in foods and improve medical drug screening.

However, to reach these mighty goals, Sheppard is starting as small as possible.

"I am working to improve our fundamental understanding of chemical interactions," said Sheppard. "I then aim to provide a means to transfer these methods onto the industrial scale."

"I want to bridge the gap between the two." Read more about Sheppard's research at UGA.

Sep 06, 2010 -- David Porcaro

David Porcaro, a doctoral student in Learning, Design, and Technology, researches how to link classroom learning with workforce skills by modernizing education practices in developing nations. Last year, he received a Fulbright grant from the U.S. Department of State to collect data and design collaborative classroom practices in Oman. For the past 10 months, Porcaro and Omani educators introduced technology and online learning into the university classroom to enhance student collaboration. Read more about Porcaro’s research experiences abroad.

Sep 20, 2010 -- Daniel Streicker

Daniel Streicker, an ecology graduate student, researches the ecological and evolutionary factors behind the transmission of infectious diseases across species. Streicker’s groundbreaking research on the establishment of the rabies virus in bat species was recently published in the journal Science.

Streicker is currently working in Peru where he is studying how human activity, such as deforestation or livestock introduction, influences the size and distribution of vampire bat populations and how these ecological changes affect rabies outbreaks.

Learn more about Streicker’s research in the Graduate Spotlight and see his work with National Geographic.

Oct 04, 2010 -- Nicole Hurt

Nicole Hurt mixes rhetorical studies, feminist theory and health communication to understand how popular discourse and media messages shape women’s health concerning their bodies, behaviors and experiences. Hurt, a graduate student in speech communication, is investigating three case studies concerning women’s bodies and health: breast cancer advocacy, public breastfeeding and mammography.

Hurt also teaches feminism and public discourse in the Institute for Women’s Studies. Last year she participated in the Future Faculty Program to improve her understanding of successful teaching.

Learn more about Nicole Hurt and her research in the Graduate Spotlight.

Oct 18, 2010 -- Kalesha Bullard

Kalesha Bullard, a computer science and engineering graduate student, received a Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation to support her doctoral research at UGA. She combines her engineering and computer science education to study the flight dynamics of robotic aerial vehicles. Bullard is conceptualizing and creating an independent and intelligent aerial vehicle control system.

Learn more about Kalesha Bullard and her research supported by National Science Foundation.

Nov 08, 2010 -- Tree planting dedicated to Mary Frances Early

UGA faculty, administrators and students gathered near the Hugh Hodgson School of Music to celebrate the Graduate School’s Centennial and the planting of a dogwood tree dedicated to Mary Frances Early, UGA’s first African-American graduate. Learn more about the event.

Dec 06, 2010 -- Jason Cutshall

Jason Cutshall, a doctoral student in Forestry, is combining his business experience and forestry expertise to create renewable energy economically from woody debris at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. Along with his graduate advisor, Dr. Dale Greene, Cutshall produces practical renewable energy research that improves forestry practices and benefits businesses. Read more about how Cutshall hopes his research will increase domestic clean energy production and reduce the consumption of foreign energy.

Dec 20, 2010 -- Alecia Septer

Alecia Septer, a microbiology doctoral candidate, studies how environmental factors affect bacterial communication and behavior. Working with Dr. Eric Stabb, Septer focuses on a unique symbiotic relationship between a bioluminescent bacterium and the Hawaiian bobtail squid. Their research contributes to growing body of knowledge that could allow scientists to one day manipulate bacterial communication in host-microbe relationships. Read more about how Septer’s research could prevent virulent infections or activate beneficial traits in bacteria.

Jan 11, 2011 -- ARCS Foundation Scholars

The Atlanta chapter of the Achievement Rewards for College Students Foundation recently awarded $55,000 to seven University of Georgia doctoral students in the biomedical and health sciences. The awards include a $10,000 grant for Julie Rushmore, an ecology and veterinary medicine graduate student, to pursue her health research abroad. UGA recipients of the award are selected through the UGA Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute. Read more about this year’s ARCS Scholars who represent the UGA departments of cellular biology, psychology, microbiology, pathology, veterinary medicine, and pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences.

Jan 31, 2011 -- Christina Davis

Christina Davis, a history doctoral candidate, studies 150-year-old letters to illuminate the lives of the southern teachers who taught in the first schools for African-American students during Reconstruction. Her research show these teachers’ determination in establishing independent lives for themselves while informing their African-American students about the rights and responsibilities of American citizenry. Additionally, Davis is working to recover the life story of Joseph Richardson Jones, an African-American filmmaker, photographer and reporter during the civil rights movement. Learn more about Davis’ original research at UGA.

Feb 14, 2011 -- Priyanka Chakraborty

Priyanka Chakraborty, a foods and nutrition doctoral candidate, researches how certain social conditions and lifestyles contribute to widespread malnutrition in India. Her dissertation research identifies the crucial factors undermining public health among both affluent and poor families in developing nations. Chakraborty hopes her research results will be implemented through public health initiatives and policies in developing nations. Learn more about Chakraborty’s research and its implications for world health.

Feb 21, 2011 -- Phillip Callihan

Phillip Callihan, a pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences doctoral candidate, identifies the specific molecular mechanisms and interactions that disrupt development in humans and cause cancer. Specifically, he studies how environmental toxins interfere with the development of the nervous system in embryos. His research has the potential to create better therapies for birth defects and has relevant applications for cancer researchers. Learn more about Callihan’s research at UGA.

Mar 14, 2011 -- María Isabel Roldós

María Isabel Roldós, a public health doctoral student, researches how substance abuse during early adolescence affects an individual’s future wages and employment. Her ongoing study at the UGA College of Public Health differs from past research by focusing on rural African-American families. Funded by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, Roldós’ research addresses the unique public health conditions facing rural communities. Her findings will help practitioners develop substance prevention strategies and distribute resources for low-income communities. Learn more about Roldós’ research at UGA.

Mar 14, 2011 -- William Dennis

William Dennis, a UGA professor of physics, recently received the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools’ 2011 Outstanding Mentor Award. The award is presented each year to a university faculty member who mentors graduate students. After becoming the head of the physics and astronomy department in 2006, Dennis began several initiatives to improve morale among graduate students.

Mar 28, 2011 -- Rebecca and Daniel Larson

Daniel and Rebecca Larson, both doctoral candidates in the Department of Kinesiology, each blend a passion for cycling with their dissertation research. The Larsons met while studying at the University of Florida and together decided to attend the University of Georgia for their doctoral degrees. Rebecca Larson, an exercise physiology Ph.D. candidate, conducts research on how to improve the lives of people with multiple sclerosis. Daniel Larson, a sport management and policy Ph.D. candidate, uses economic theory to examine team dynamics in sport contexts. Read more about Daniel and Rebecca Larson’s cycling-related research in UGA’s top-rated kinesiology department as recently ranked by the National Research Council.

April 7, 2011 -- Jorge Cham

To show appreciation for our fantastic graduate students this year, the Graduate School’s next guest speaker is most widely recognized for his ability to combine graduate student life, research, and humor on a regular basis. Mark your calendar to attend Jorge Cham's PhD Lecture on Apr. 07 in the Tate Grand Hall at 3:30PM! More

April 19, 2011 -- Congressman John Lewis

John Lewis, the U.S. Representative of Georgia's 5th District and civil rights activist, will deliver the 2011 Mary Frances Early Lecture on April 19 at 4 p.m. in the University of Georgia Chapel. The 11th annual lecture honors Mary Frances Early, the first African-American to earn a degree from UGA, and her legacy at UGA. Read the press release.

May 5, 2011 -- Marcela Mellinger

Marcela Mellinger, a social work doctoral candidate, has committed her professional and academic career to advocating for disadvantaged populations since witnessing social inequalities while growing up in South America. After spending a decade teaching and practicing social work in Pennsylvania, Mellinger decided to pursue a doctorate at the University of Georgia’s School of Social Work. She researches how nonprofit social service organizations conduct and could improve their own advocacy operations. Ultimately, Mellinger hopes her findings will inspire social work practitioners to bolster their advocacy efforts. Learn more about Mellinger’s social work research at UGA.

May 16, 2011 -- 2011 Graduate Student Excellence in Research Awards I

The Graduate School presented the 2011 Graduate Student Excellence in Research awards to Gaston “Chip” Small, Denita Williams, Christopher Manganiello, and Shannon Pritchard on April 14, 2011. The awards recognize meaningful and significant scholarship done by UGA graduate students. Learn more about Chip Small, who earned a Ph.D. in ecology, and Denita Williams, who graduated with a Ph.D. in toxicology.

May 30, 2011 -- Rebecca Shirk

Rebecca Shirk, a plant biology doctoral student, researches how the Carolina cranesbill, a native Southeastern weed, has adapted to colonize China as an invasive species. In China, the Carolina cranesbill has taken root in areas with disturbed soil, such as urban areas and farmland, and developed a resistance to common herbicides. By employing population genetics analyses, Shirk can trace the Carolina cranesbill’s movement, showing her where the first plants originated and how it has since migrated across China. Learn more about Shirk’s research at UGA and its implications for the management of invasive plant species.

June 13, 2011 -- 2011 Graduate Student Excellence in Research Awards II

The Graduate School presented the 2011 Graduate Student Excellence in Research awards to Christopher Manganiello, Shannon Pritchard, Gaston “Chip” Small, and Denita Williams on April 14, 2011. The awards recognize meaningful and significant scholarship done by UGA graduate students. Learn more about Christopher Manganiello, who earned a Ph.D. in history, and Shannon Pritchard, who graduated with a Ph.D. in art history.

June 27, 2011 -- Raffi Andonian

Raffi Andonian, a University of Georgia graduate student, splits his time across three departments while writing two theses and planning his dissertation. His current research focuses on early American history and the historical interpretation and architectural features of Catholic churches. By the time Andonian finishes his studies at UGA, he will have completed four graduate degrees and the graduate teaching certificate. Learn more about Andonian’s research and his experiences at UGA.

July 11, 2011 -- Excellence in Teaching Awards

The Graduate School honored five UGA graduate student teachers with its annual Excellence in Teaching Awards. The 2011 Excellence in Teaching Awards recipients:

Tiffani Everett – Department of Sociology

Lincoln Larson – Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources

Christopher Lawton – Department of History

David Marancik – Department of Pathology

Brandon Samples – Department of Mathematics

July 25, 2011 -- Kausar Samli

Kausar Samli, a biochemistry doctoral student, wants to translate his research projects at UGA into technologies that have a major societal impact. Samli designs biomolecules by combining protein engineering with computer simulations capable of modeling complex systems at UGA’s Complex Carbohydrate Research Center. By characterizing interactions among biomolecules, Samli is advancing the detection and treatment of diseases with therapeutic biologics, an emerging class of new drugs. Last summer, Samli participated in Singularity University’s Graduate Studies Program. Samli and his team designed processes that would positively affect the lives of one billion people. Learn more about Samli’s research at UGA and his experiences at Singularity University.

Aug 08, 2011 -- 2011 Diversity Awards

The 2011 Graduate School Diversity Awards recognize students and faculty who create opportunities for underrepresented populations and achieve diversity on UGA’s campus and within the community.

This year’s diversity award recipients include the following UGA faculty and graduate students:

Tony Capomacchia – Faculty Diversity Award

Anita Thompson – Diversity Research Scholarship

Jason Whiting – Graduate Student Diversity Engagement Award

Sarah Himmelheber – Graduate Student Diversity Engagement Award

Read more about the recipients of the 2011 Diversity Awards.

Sept. 19, 2011 -- Praveen Kolar

Praveen Kolar likes to brown bag most days, and brings a vegetarian meal from home. Just before his lunchtime, a pungent smell emanates from a small glass beaker in a North Carolina laboratory—the sort of smell that makes you ignore your growling stomach. Kolar moves rapidly around the lab, barely noticing, before catching the expression upon a nonscientist’s face and saying, “Oh, yes. The sulfide—pig wastes” he explains. It is the unmistakable smell of animal effluent. “It’s very strong,” Kolar admits. The non-scientist resists the urge to clamp both nostrils shut.

Kolar’s research with University of Georgia professor James Kastner, his mentor, has led to a patent-pending process that could put an end to that agricultural stench, cheaply and efficiently. Read more about Kolar and how he came to appreciate the sweet smell of bio.

Oct. 17, 2011 -- Meghan Goyer

When a large group of German academicians once wrote a book disputing Einstein’s theories, Einstein replied: “If I were wrong, one professor would have been enough.” Einstein boldly demonstrated the importance of finding one’s own path, no matter how bizarre it appeared. He eschewed convention, famously retorting,”I have no special gift; I am only passionately curious.” Religious studies scholar Meghan Goyer appears to share the essential trait of curiosity—unfettered and passionately curious about and above the world.

She has grabbed the brass ring—which just happens to be at the end of a trapeze rope. Read more about how this multifaceted student describes how experimenting with various outlets, from art to trapeze work, have helped clarify her mind and release her own inner truth.

Oct. 24, 2011 -- Dean Maureen Grasso

Maureen Grasso, Dean of the University of Georgia Graduate School, was invited to join higher education leaders from sixteen countries to participate in the 2011 Global Summit on Career Outcomes for Post-Graduate Students, held in Hong Kong Sept. 26-28, 2011. An annual event designed to promote international best practices on pressing topics in master’s and doctoral education, this year’s Summit focused on creating and strengthening pathways from graduate school to careers.

Dec. 19, 2011 -- Rachel Paparone

Rachel Paparone is a PhD candidate from New York studying French Literature. Paprone’s research with Dr. Krell at the University of Georgia focuses on the way democratic governments and businesses use environmentalism as a tool to gain power and money, and how French author Jean-Christophe Rufin addresses this subject through his character’s interaction with the environment. Paparone hopes her research contributes to the realization of the power of environmentalism for governments and businesses and how they can potentially use environmentalism to manipulate the public.

Jan. 17, 2012 -- 2011 ARCS Foundation Scholars

Nine University of Georgia students were recently honored with the ARCS Foundations, Inc. - Achievement Rewards for College Scientist - at the annual Scholars Awards Luncheon in Atlanta hosted by the Atlanta Chapter of the ARCS Foundation. The students are considered the “best and brightest” within their fields of study and were selected by their school to receive this honor by meeting and maintaining ARCS Foundation’s high standards of academic excellence.

Feb. 13, 2012 -- Dr. Julie Coffield

The Graduate School welcomes Dr. Julie Coffield as the new Associate Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Georgia. Dr. Coffield has been involved in graduate training and administration with the University for the past 17 years, most recently as Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology within the College of Veterinary Medicine and as the Director of the Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, a campus-wide program that includes students and faculty from several different colleges who share common interests in the field of toxicology. Dr. Coffield will serve as the Chief of Operations for the Graduate School. She will work closely with the Graduate School staff in Admissions and Enrolled Student Services. Her focus will be on student affairs and program management as she assists Graduate Coordinators. She also will assist in helping the Graduate School implement its 2020 Strategic Plan. Welcome Dr. Coffield!

Mar. 19, 2012 -- Brian Stone

Brian Stone, a Ph.D. candidate studying Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience in the Department of Psychology, focuses on investigating primate behavior and cognition and how it relates to humans (and other species). He also uses sensory-perception illusions to reveal normal and abnormal neurological mechanisms in humans.

“Many of the scientific questions I investigate in my research are motivated by background questions that have been debated in Philosophy of Mind since before Psychology or Neuroscience existed as formal disciplines: Does our perception accurately represent the world? Do other animals have minds, and do those minds work like ours? How is it that our rich mental experiences arise from physical, mechanistic bodily interactions with the world?”

Apr. 23, 2012 -- Natalie Sciolino

Natale Sciolino, a doctoral student studying Neuroscience in the Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute, hopes her research will help to answer the age old question, ‘Why is exercise beneficial to your spirits?’ with solid neurochemical and genetic evidence. Learn more...

May 29, 2012 -- Lincoln Larson

Lincoln Larson, a doctoral candidate in the Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, focuses on the human dimension of conservation and natural resource management. His research with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is part of one of the largest studies of state parks completed in the United States. His goal is to teach future generations about global conservation. Learn more...

Jun 11, 2012 -- Jennifer Claggett

Jennifer Claggett, a Ph.D. student studying Business Administration in the Terry College of Business, utilizes her knowledge of biology and genetics to research when, where, and how technology in healthcare benefits patients and medical facilities. Learn more...

Jun 25, 2012 -- 2012 Graduate Student Excellence in Research Awards

The Graduate School at The University of Georgia recognized five 2011 graduates with Excellence in Research by Graduate Students Awards. Students are nominated by their department for the award, which recognizes outstanding research by graduate students, and recipients are selected by faculty members. Five awards are given annually, one from each of the following five areas: Fine Arts, Humanities, Life Sciences, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and Professional and Applied studies. Learn more...

Jul 09, 2012 -- 2012 Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching Awards

The Graduate School at UGA recognizes five graduate students with the Excellence in Teaching by Graduate Students Award. Students are nominated for the award, which is sponsored by the Graduate School, by their individual departments. The award recognizes the significant contribution graduate students make to the instructional mission of the University and is given to candidates who have demonstrated superior teaching skills and who have contributed to teaching beyond their own classroom responsibilities. Learn more...

Aug 01, 2012 -- 2012 Outstanding Mentoring Awards

he Graduate School at the University of Georgia recognizes two members of the graduate faculty with the Outstanding Mentoring Award. The award encourages and rewards innovation and effectiveness in the mentoring of graduate students by faculty during their education experience. This year, the Outstanding Mentoring Award recognized faculty in the Professional/Applied Sciences and Social/Behavior Sciences. Learn more...

Sep 04, 2012 -- 2012 Fulbright Scholars

Five graduate students from the Graduate School at the University of Georgia have received Fulbright Scholarships for the 2012-2013 academic year. Recipients of the U.S. Student Full Grants, which cover research, study and creative opportunities, include four current doctoral students: Rebeca de Jesús-Crespo of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; Genevieve Holdridge of Mahopac, N.Y.; Oksana Lutsyshyna of Tampa, Fla.; and Ann MacFadyen of Philadelphia, Pa.

The English Teaching Assistantship Grant, which places recipients in K-12 schools and universities to serve as language-learning assistants, was given to one master’s student, Louise Goodman of Tampa, Fla. Read more

Oct 29, 2012 -- 2012 NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Awards

Five graduate students from the University of Georgia have received the National Science Foundation’s (GRFP), which recognizes and supports outstanding early career graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees.

As the oldest graduate fellowship of its kind, the GRFP has a long history of selecting recipients who achieve high levels of success in their future academic and professional careers. NSF Fellows are anticipated to become knowledge experts who can contribute significantly to research, teaching and innovations in science and engineering. Read more...

Dec 10, 2012 -- Psychology Educator Development Association (PEDA)

Four graduate students from the University of Georgia were recently featured in gradPSYCH, a national magazine published by the American Psychological Association, for founding the Psychology Educator Development Association (PEDA). PEDA offers professional and personal support to graduate students at the University of Georgia who are interested in building their teaching skills and serves as a resource for graduate students who are currently involved in teaching undergraduate courses or who plan to teach in the future. Read more...

Mar 21, 2013 -- Communicating Scholarship

Public media often turn to university experts to help explain some of the world’s most complicated topics. In the past few weeks alone, researchers from the University of Georgia have been featured in news stories around the world discussing their work on such issues as oil spills, vaccines, food safety and climate change. In an effort to better prepare students and faculty to communicate their scholarship through the media and to the public, UGA’s Graduate School and the Office of the Vice President for Research recently co-hosted a workshop about communicating research, which was facilitated by staff from the Center for Communicating Sciences at Stony Brook University. Read more...

Apr 03, 2013 -- Pulitzer Prize winner Hank Klibanoff to deliver Mary Frances Early Lecture

Hank Klibanoff, a Pulitzer Prize winner and the James M. Cox, Jr. Professor of Journalism at Emory University, will deliver the 2013 annual Mary Frances Early Lecture April 2 at 4 p.m. in the University of Georgia Chapel. The thirteenth annual lecture honors Mary Frances Early, the first African-American to earn a degree from the University of Georgia, and her legacy to UGA. Read more >>

Apr 18, 2013 -- 13^th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference

The 13^th annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference was held Friday, April 12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first floor suite in the Tate Center. This year’s conference theme was “Unity through Diversity: Collaboration, Creativity, and Contribution.” The annual conference provides UGA students and researchers from a wide array of backgrounds a forum for presenting and sharing their research through paper presentations, posters, and art exhibitions. Read more >>

May 16, 2013 -- 2013 Graduate School Outstanding Mentoring Awards

Dr. Marla Carlson and Dr. Nancy Manley have been named recipients of the 2013 Graduate School Outstanding Mentoring Award. The awards were presented at the annual Faculty Recognition Banquet on Monday, April 15. Read more >>