Graduate College

This year's Graduate College Awards Ceremony was held April 30, 2025. The Graduate College is extraordinarily proud of each of our honorees this year! Please join us in recognizing each awardee in the following categories. 

 

Honorary Commencement Marshals 

Honorary Commencement Marshals demonstrate exemplary scholarly achievement that capture the essence of OSU’s land-grant mission.

• Sachithra Gunasekara is completing a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Veterinary Biomedical Sciences in the College Veterinary Medicine under the direction of her advisor, Dr. Jennifer Rudd. 
• Jimmy Uba is completing a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Industrial Engineering and Management in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology under the direction of his research advisor, Dr. Katie Jurewicz.
• Nazmus Sakib is completing a Master of Science degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology under the direction of his research advisor Dr. Aurelie Azoug.
• Jodie Spivey is completing a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Education, Communications, and Leadership in the Ferguson College of Agriculture under the direction of her research advisor Dr. Jon Ramsey. 

 

 

Robberson Summer Dissertation Fellowships & Research & Creative Activities Grants Recipients

Summer Dissertation Fellowships support summer research

for outstanding OSU post-candidacy, doctoral students.

 

Graduate Research Excellence Awardees

In partnership with the Research Office, the GREAs recognize outstanding research accomplishments as reflected in the thesis and dissertation. 

From Subject Matter Group I – Biological Sciences:

• Dr. Rabindra Khadka, who received a Ph.D. in Microbiology, Cell and Molecular Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences, advised by Dr. Matthew Green.
• Indira Lakkakula, who received an MS in Entomology and Plant Pathology in the Ferguson College of Agriculture, advised by Dr. Meriem Aoun.

From Subject Matter Group II – Humanities:

• Dr. Kristina Rogers, who received a Ph.D. in History in the College of Arts and Sciences, advised by Dr. Kallie Kosc.

From Subject Matter Group III– Physical Sciences and Technology:  

• Dr. Arfan Ashad, who received a Ph.D. in Biosystems Enginering in the Ferguson College of Agriculture and the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, advised by Dr. Ali Mirchi.
• Zaid Mahmood, who received a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, advised by Dr. Ying Zhang.

From Subject Matter Group V – Education:

• Dr. Joshua Campbell, who received a Ph.D. in Agricultural Education in the Ferguson College of Agriculture, advised by Dr. Lauren Cline.
• Newlin Humphrey, who received a Master of Science in Agricultural Education and Leadership in the Ferguson College of Agriculture, advised by Dr. Angel Riggs.

From Subject Matter Group VI – Biomedical Sciences:

 

• Dr. Raisa Monteiro, who received a Ph.D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences in

 

Graduate Dean's Certificate

The Graduate Dean’s Certificate is the highest level of achievement in the 360° Critical Skills for Career Success program. It requires intentional effort to develop as a professional as graduate students prepare to transition from graduate school to working as a professional. By completing all level activities in at least four of the six competencies, students can earn the Graduate Dean’s Certificate and medallion that can be worn with their academic regalia.

•  Marcia Sun from Educational Leadership and Policy in the College of Education and Human Sciences.

 

Graduate College Ambassadors

In partnership Ambassadors are graduate students who are passionate about OSU, excited about their graduate student experiences and eager to share their insights with future graduate students.

 

From the College of Arts and Sciences

• Katelyn Cooke, Geography.
• Adeola Favour, Mass Communications.
• Rosty Martinez Duque, Physics

From the College of Education and Human Sciences

• Femi Olawale, Nutritional Sciences.

From the College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology

• Matthew Nare, Industrial Engineering and Management.
• Jimmy Uba, Industrial Engineering and Management.

From the Ferguson College of Agriculture

• Grace Williams, Plant and Soil Science.

From the Graduate College

• Nathaniel Bolujoko, Environmental Science.

From the Spears School of Business

• Tenzin Youlo, Hospitality, Tourism Management.

 

Service Leadership Award

• Pratikshya Paudel, who served as Social Chair of the GPSGA for the 2024-25 academic year.
• Abiola Samson Olaniyi, who served as Communications Director.
• Vivesh Bhadariya, who served as Intergovernmental Liaison.
• Damilar Ajagbe, who served as International Affairs Liaison.
• Gabby Gomez, who served as Secretary.
• Sonika Poudel, who served as Vice President.
• Eshan Maitra, who served as President.
• Marcia Sun, who served as Ex Officio/Past President. 

 

GPSGA Phoenix Award 

The Phoenix Award is the highest honor awarded by GPSGA. Awards recognize OSU graduate students who demonstrate exemplary achievement in leadership, scholarship, community and university service, and professional involvement.

• Doctoral degree program recipient Jimmy Uba from Industrial Engineering and Management in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology.
• Master’s degree program recipient Shaolin Jahan Eidee from Petroleum Engineering in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology.

 

GPSGA Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant

Nominated by faculty, administrators or graduate students, this award recognizes outstanding work and dedication as a GTA.

• Mohmad Judaid Ul Haq  from Photonics in the College of Arts and Sciences.

 

Phoenix Graduate Faculty Mentor Award

Given in recognition of excellence in mentorship of graduate students.

• Dr. Anita Silwal, faculty in School of Community Health Sciences, Counseling and Counseling Psychology in the College of Education and Human Sciences.

 

Graduate Education Champion

This new award recognizes a faculty, staff or student who advocates for graduate students.

• Dr. Stephen Clarke, Associate Dean of Research in the College of Education and Human Sciences.

 

Outstanding Graduate Coordinator

This award recognizes the exemplary service of faculty and staff who lead and manage graduate programs, providing an invaluable service to OSU.

• Dr. Jindal Shah from Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology.