Adriana Popa, Committee Chairperson

Introduction: Graduate students have an enormous amount of responsibility placed on their shoulders. Coursework, teaching, preparing for qualifying exams, job rotations, funding proposals, and of course, research. Yet, to be competitive for the best positions after graduation, graduate students must also develop their skill set outside their program of study. From learning to network with others in their field, to understanding the ins-and-outs of the grant writing process, to knowing how to effectively present to a diverse audience, to navigating the job search process, to crafting new courses in their area of expertise, the successful graduate student has a lot to work on outside of their program. And, while students are surrounded by academic and research advisers, often times development of these other skills falls on the students themselves. The GSS professional development committee is here to aid graduate students by presenting them with opportunities to learn from experienced professionals specializing in these areas.

Professional Development Committee Charge:
The professional development committee is dedicated to enhancing graduate student professional life by organizing informational and educational events which provide training in skills not obtained as part of traditional graduate programs. These events provide opportunities for graduate students to draw upon the expertise of university leadership and invited guests, in addition to interacting in a collegial manner with others from Case Western Reserve University.

About the Chair: I am a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemistry magnetic-plasmonic hybrid nanoparticles for environmental applications. I joined GSS at the
end of my 1st year at CWRU and have been an active GSS Senator and Chair of the Money- Task Force. As a GSS senator I serve on several committees like the Parking Advisory Committee and Sexual Harassment Board. I have also been a member of the GSS Professional Development Committee and was involved in the organization of the GSS Graduate Student Symposium and the grant-writing course initiative. Furthermore I am the chair of the Graduate Student Association (GSA) of the Chemistry Department, an organization that promotes the collective interests of the graduate students in the department. I have organized the last Departmental Holiday Party and helped start up a new social event, a monthly Chemistry Happy Hour, which promotes the interaction between graduate students, post docs, faculty and staff. In my free time I enjoy cooking, walks in the park or the beach and photography.

Statement of Intent: As the Professional Development Committee Chair I would like to work closely with the to bring new opportunities to graduate students across campus in order to develop their professional skills and confidence needed to be competitive in today’s society. I will also continue promoting the addition of a semester long grant writing course available to all graduate students.

Professional Development Committee Roster:

Committee Goals:

• Expand the number of professional development opportunities available to graduate students by holding at least 8 education events.
• Increase university faculty / staff "buy in" to professional development of graduate students. Accomplish this by involving them in at least half of the professional development events.
• Formalize the relationship between the committee and university departments to foster an inclusive environment for the professional development of students. These departments include but are not limited to: UCITE, the Case Career Center, ESS, and the Office of Student Activities and Leadership.
• Evaluate the TA training process for graduate students at Case and formulate and action plan for its improvement.

Professional Development Committee Meeting Minutes / Agendas:

Recordings of prior events:

A Scientist in DC (1 of 4): 

A Scientist in DC (2 of 4): 

A Scientist in DC (3 of 4): 

A Scientist in DC (4 of 4):