GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL STUDENT APPRECIATION WEEK

Join Us As We Celebrate You!


From April 1 to April 5, 2024, Carnegie Mellon will be celebrating national Graduate & Professional Student Appreciation Week. The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs, as well as many partners across campus, will be offering events, giveaways, raffles, discounts, and programming as a way of showing how much we value you, your contributions, and your impact on the university!


The schedule of events for the week is in progress. Check out our website for the latest updates and event descriptions, noting that some require advance registration and some are open to partners and families.


One of the week's signature events is Meet, Greet, & Eat, hosted by the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs. Join us in Connan (CUC) on Thursday, April 4, between 12:30 and 2:30 (RSVP required) to converse, build community, and share feedback! A variety of appetizers will be served, and a photo booth will capture the fun. We hope you can make it! Please let us know if you plan to attend by clicking the button below. Space is limited, so register soon.

Will You Attend Meet, Greet, & Eat?

FUNDING UPDATES

Application Updates for

Conference Funding, Professional Engagement Funding,

and GuSH Research Grants


Conference Funding & Professional Engagement Funding:


The Spring 2024 application cycle for Conference Funding and the

pilot cycle of Professional Engagement Funding have concluded,

and all applicants have been notified of the results.


The next application period for Conference Funding and Professional Engagement Funding, covering conferences and engagements that will take place

July 1 - September 30, 2024, will be

Monday, May 13 - Friday, May 24.


GuSH Research Grants:


The application period for Summer 2024 Research Grants will be

Monday, April 8 - Friday, April 19.


Visit the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs website for the most up-to-date information on applying for Conference Funding, Professional Engagement Funding, and GuSH Research Grants.

NEWS & EVENTS

Three Minute Thesis Championship--TONIGHT!


Thursday, March 14

6:00–8:00 p.m.

Simmons Auditorium A and Livestream

Registration required


Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is an internationally recognized competition that challenges PhD students to present a compelling oration on their thesis and its significance in just three minutes, in language that anyone can understand. In the 2024 3MT Championship, CMU PhD students representing a variety of research areas take to the stage to discuss their thesis for a chance to win cash prizes. CMU leadership and alumni judge the competition and a People's Choice Award goes to the competitor with the most audience votes. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

The Center for Machine Learning and Health (CMLH) Fellowships in Digital Health Innovation - Apply Today!


We invite applications for the Center for Machine Learning and Health (CMLH) Fellowships in Digital Health Innovation. Each fellowship provides full support for one year for a full-time, currently enrolled Ph.D. student at Carnegie Mellon University who is pursuing cutting-edge research that advances digital health, broadly defined.  

 

For more information about the fellowships, eligibility requirements, and the format of the application, please refer to the CMLH Fellowships In Digital Health Innovation website. You can direct your questions here.

 

Applications are due April 2, 2024 by midnight, EST


Pittsburgh Conference Opportunity


The 2024 Great Lakes Bioinformatics Conference (GLBIO24) will be held in Pittsburgh this year, May 13 -16, 2024.


GLBIO24, sponsored by the International Society of Computational Biology, provides an interdisciplinary forum for research in computational biology and bioinformatics, broadly defined. The program will include an exciting roster of invited keynote speakers, oral research presentations, a poster session, workshops, and sessions on special topics. Of particular note: a student-focused workshop on Navigating In-Person Conferences will be organized by Drs. Dan DeBlasio and Phillip Compeau from CMU's Computational Biology Department.


We encourage you to submit an abstract for consideration for a poster presentation at the conference. This is a great chance to opportunity present your work and establish new professional connections at a major conference without the cost or hassle of travel.


Deadlines:

Monday, March 4, 2024 Abstract submission for poster and oral presentations

Friday, March 22, 2024 Student Travel/Attendance Fellowships

Sunday, April 14, 2024 Late Breaking Poster Abstract Submission

Mentoring Opportunity for Graduate Students!


The Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development is soliciting projects for the Summer Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship (SURA) 2024. SURA is our entry-level summer program for students with little to no research experience, and who have not yet participated in SURA or SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships). All majors are welcome, and the research can be done in Pittsburgh or remotely, depending upon the needs of the project. Students receive tuition-free academic credit (3, 6, 9, or 12 units) for their work.


We are currently soliciting projects from faculty, post-docs, and advanced graduate students who would like to mentor SURA researchers this summer. If you are interested in serving as a 2024 SURA research mentor, please first check with your supervisor for their guidance about overseeing an undergraduate via SURA, then submit a project to our 2024 SURA Project Recruiting Form.


Once we receive your project, we will promote it to students who are seeking SURA research opportunities. Note: Use of this form is not mandatory for those interested in mentoring SURA researchers, and you are welcome to recruit students on your own if you prefer.


Student registration for SURA will begin on March 18 and continue until May 20. We can continue to accept projects via the project solicitation form on a rolling basis throughout the registration period, though the earlier you can submit your project, the more likely it is that the position will be filled. Questions can be directed to OURSD Director Richelle Bernazzoli (rbernazz@andrew.cmu.edu).

Innovation Commercialization Fellows Program


The Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship is seeking graduate students and postdoctoral fellows working with faculty investigators, who are interested in driving the commercialization efforts for their Carnegie Mellon University research based startup companies.

 

Innovation Commercialization Fellows is a year-long program beginning July 1, 2024. Along with cohort-based educational workshops and expert one-on-one mentoring, Fellows will receive a $50K contribution from the Swartz Center, contingent on a $50K match from another source, to support them while they focus on the commercialization process.

 

For further details on the program and eligibility, register for an upcoming information session: March 14 at 2:00 p.m. and March 26 at 10:00 a.m.


The deadline to apply is midnight ET, Monday, April 15, 2024. Questions can be directed to Melanie Simko

Project Olympus

Show & Tell 


Project Olympus Show & Tell is back! Show & Tell is a hugely popular venue for connecting CMU startups with the wider business and entrepreneurial community. 


Show & Tell showcases university research, innovations, and companies! We are adding more speakers and startups every day, check our website for the latest event agenda.


When and Where:


Thursday, April 11, 2024

Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship

3rd Floor, Tepper Quad


In-person only from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Presentations start at 4:00 with networking and light refreshments at 5:00. 


Register by April 5 as space is limited for this event! 


What Is Safety and Who Defines It?


Controversial speakers often ignite passionate debates on college campuses. These events raise important questions about free speech versus hate speech and the delicate balance between allowing diverse viewpoints and maintaining a safe environment. Join us for a circle to share perspectives on what safety means in divisive moments and who defines it as we develop a culture of civility on campus.

Light refreshments will be provided. Feel free to bring lunch!


Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 12pm

Danforth Conference Room, CUC


Questions? Contact Assistant Dean of Civility Initiatives Candace C. Okello.



Mark Your Calendars!


Take a look at these calendars to stay up to date on upcoming and ongoing events on campus!



For a full list of student organizations and events of all kinds, be sure to explore TartanConnect, CMU's official campus engagement platform.

RESOURCES

Introducing: UHS Wellness to Go


University Health Services (UHS) is excited to announce the launch of UHS Wellness to Go.


CMU now has two vending machines that will increase student access to essential health products, including sexual and reproductive health, common remedies, harm reduction products, and COVID-19 testing. They are located on the lower level of the Cohon University Center and the main floor of the Tepper Building. 


Find the full product directory here.


Career Resources







Visit the Archives!


You can find past issues of The Graduate Student News linked on the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs website. Peruse past issues to learn more about campus resources and partners!



GRADUATE STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

This month's Graduate Student Spotlight column features doctoral student Ching-Yi Lin and master's student Amber Sestilio. Read on to see their answers to OGPA's Spotlight Questions!

Ching-Yi Lin (he/him)


College: College of Engineering


Year / Degree Program: 6th-year PhD candidate, Electrical and Computer Engineering


Hometown: Taipei, Taiwan



What are your academic and/or professional goals?


My primary academic goal is to build a scalable computational unit dedicated to advancing machine learning applications. Given the increasing demand for efficient machine learning computation, my aim is to contribute my expertise in hardware design and machine learning to the development of cutting-edge processing units.



Tell us about a significant moment in your academic journey at CMU so far.


The most significant moment in my academic journey is my proposal last year. Drawing upon my previous publications and projects, I crafted an 18-month research plan. This experience not only showcased my growth since my freshman year but also made me proud of the work I have done. 


What do you like to do in your time away from academic work? 


Outside of academic commitments, I am an avid sports enthusiast. CMU and Pittsburgh offer a rich array of sports activities, allowing me to explore and engage in diverse sports such as volleyball, tennis, and softball. The vibrant and active communities surrounding these sports fields on campus further enhance my overall experience.


Tell us about your last memorable meal. What was it, where did you have it, and who were you with?


Despite my limited culinary skills, I take advantage of Pittsburgh's diverse culinary scene, particularly enjoying Thai, Italian, and Taiwanese cuisines. Gathering with friends at various restaurants provides a welcome break from academic rigor, allowing us to share our experiences across different fields of study.


What’s your favorite thing about Pittsburgh?


As an international student, one of my favorite aspects of Pittsburgh is the unique blend of baseball, football, and hockey culture. The unity and enthusiasm of people cheering for their local teams, combined with numerous NCAA games, create a vibrant sports atmosphere. Embracing this sports culture has been a delightful aspect of my experience as a Pittsburgher.

Amber Sestilio (she/her)


College: Dietrich College


Year / Degree Program: English, Master of Rhetoric


Hometown: Tampa, Florida



What are your academic and/or professional goals?


Coming from middle school ELA education, I would like to maintain my roots as an educator and/or working with young people. For instance, I am currently working with Arts Greenhouse, Dietrich’s afterschool arts and humanities program for 5th-8th graders, and I hope to continue doing that after I graduate. I have also thought about continuing nonprofit work or equity work. I currently help with Queer programming at the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, and I truly love it.


Tell us about a significant moment in your academic journey at CMU so far.


Coming from a politically charged climate in Florida, I felt really desperate to build community here at CMU, especially among LGBTQIA+ folx, and working at the Center has played a big part in that. I was working with Queer youth back home, but it was not a safe place for me to be my authentic self. Finding the Center has fostered connections I would not have made otherwise, even initiating conversations with my family to support my coming out over Fall Break. While the Center has supported me in learning about resources or being a student on campus, it also has had an unimaginable impact on me as a person. More academically focused, I’ve really enjoyed learning about applied methods to incorporate into my equity work through Dr. Joanna Wolfe’s Research Methods in Professional and Technical Communication.

 

What do you like to do in your time away from academic work?

 

When I have the time, I really enjoy being creative. I got into Botanical Lego sets over the last few years and always like working on bouquets. I also love to craft with my Cricut (although I’m running out of room in my dresser for all my glitter tees).


Tell us about your last memorable meal. What was it, where did you have it, and who were you with?


Recently, I was able to go to Atlanta for a conference, and bring my spouse with me. We’re both vegetarians and miss some of the food from back home, so it was nice to enjoy some veggie-forward Southern cooking at True Food Kitchen. My favorite dish was a bowl with eggs, Brussel sprouts, onions, and sweet potatoes. It was sauteed, caramelized, and has a bit of hot sauce, too. Lately, we’ve actually been making it a few times a week!


What’s your favorite thing about Pittsburgh?


I’ve really enjoyed the changing colors of leaves since that’s a new experience for me. Most of all, my in-laws live around here so it’s been a nice change getting to spend time with my nieces and nephews. For instance, this was the first Halloween I’ve gotten to go trick-or-treating with them! Being in Pittsburgh makes the holidays fun because of the weather and my extended family.


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