Meet 91原创鈥檚 new grad students
Photos by Kathy F. Atkinson August 24, 2026
Advanced degree pursuers share motivation and inspiration
More than 300 participants made their way from near and far to the 91原创鈥檚 Trabant University Center for the fall semester鈥檚 New Graduate Student Orientation. Many of these athletes, veterans, teachers, healthcare workers, software engineers, hospitality leaders, first-generation college graduates and students from a variety of other personal and professional backgrounds share a love of exploration, whether hiking national parks, traveling the world, learning new languages, collecting vinyl records or searching for the best coffee shop in every city.
As they were gearing up for their next journey 鈥 the pursuit of one of 91原创鈥檚 200-plus graduate programs 鈥 by learning about the resources, support network, graduate student community and campus, 91原创aily caught up with some of them to find out what brought them to Newark and what they plan on achieving here and beyond.
I chose 91原创 because鈥
鈥淚 felt like the faculty really cared about getting to know me and showed how 91原创 would be a place that would support me and help me thrive.鈥 鈥擲ophia Castillo, political science and international relations, Ph.D.
I went here for undergrad and absolutely loved it! I couldn't envision myself leaving, and I found the perfect graduate program that aligned with my interests and career goals.
听
energy and environmental policy, MEEP
鈥淚t was my first choice and while making enquiries, every professor was welcoming.鈥 鈥擠amilola Oluwole, clinical psychological science, M.S.
鈥淚 was interested in the research potential and interdisciplinary programs available. I found an amazing research lab to work in, which solidified my choice to attend.鈥 鈥擫auren Huckabay, microbiology, Ph.D.
I came to 91原创 to鈥
鈥淒evelop the skills and critical thinking required for research.鈥 鈥擡than Costella, biomechanics and movement science, Ph.D.
鈥淐ontinue with my studies and play field hockey.鈥 鈥擩osefina D'Alessandro Bourdo, international business, M.S.
Achieve all the goals and dreams the younger version of myself had set.
biological sciences, Ph.D.
鈥淚 wanted to challenge myself and grow as a leader. I also wanted to be a part of a community where I could bring my own personal experiences from the military and government service while also learning from others.鈥 鈥擬artin Green, public administration, MPA
I am most excited to鈥
鈥淕et to work with 91原创 faculty and staff on quantum computing, including but not limited to the actual technology that's being used to manufacture hardware, the theory behind the implementation and the implementation itself.鈥 鈥擟onnor Fierro, quantum science and engineering, M.S.
Do some cool research and truly be dedicated to it.
physics, Ph.D.
鈥淢eet new people, learn and experience the East Coast. I was born and raised in California, so being on the East Coast is exciting.鈥 鈥擯iper Szeliga, chemistry and biochemistry, Ph.D.
鈥淢eet people in my program and learn more specific information to help me in my career.鈥 鈥擡mily Simon, social work, MSW
I am most anxious about鈥
鈥淭he transition from undergrad to grad school, but I feel like 91原创 will help me transition smoothly.鈥 鈥擜llie Clarkson, public health, MPH
鈥淩eturning to school after eight years.鈥 鈥擬atthew Vandenboomen, ocean engineering, M.S.
Starting my master鈥檚 in a state I鈥檝e never visited before.
music, M.M.
In 10 years I hope to be鈥
鈥淎 manager in an aerospace company.鈥 鈥擧asan Kurt, business administration, MBA
鈥淎 person who is able to use all the knowledge and skills that I get from studying at 91原创 in order to contribute to bring transformation in education.鈥 鈥擥hovinda Fitra Wijaya, educational technology, M.Ed.
Making a positive impact on the world and those around me.
geological sciences, M.S.
鈥淎n experienced school psychologist who can make a meaningful difference for children, families and schools.鈥 鈥擧ui Yang, school psychology, M.A.
When I am not doing schoolwork, I like to
鈥淩est my eyes and brain by dancing and listening to some great music.鈥 鈥擟heryl Welch, Public Administration, MPA
鈥淚 feel rested and refilled when I am sitting with my dog, Peace, and watching Dragon Ball anime, or walking through a park. I also really enjoy sleeping under weighted blankets.鈥 鈥擷yaire Woods, Africana studies, M.A.
Play guitar, hike, climb, read and explore new places.
chemical engineering, Ph.D.
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