Thirteen Florida State University graduate students distilled years of research into just three minutes at the annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT™) competition on April 8 in the College of Medicine Peaden Auditorium.

Developed at the University of Queensland in Australia, 3MT is a research communication competition designed to enhance participants’ skill in articulating their research clearly to an audience that may not have specialist knowledge in the subject area.

“This competition gives graduate students a chance to practice the way they think about their research and how to package it for a variety of different audiences,” said Keith McCall, acting director of the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards. “It’s critical because our graduate students are doing amazing work on a lot of groundbreaking things, and we want people to know about that work. We want our graduate students to be able to go out and talk about their work, feel comfortable doing that and feel empowered to do that.”

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Florida State University recognized graduate student achievement and leadership at the Celebration of Graduate Student Excellence, sponsored by The Graduate School and the Congress of Graduate Students, on April 6 at the FSU Alumni Center.

The celebration honored graduate students who have earned external fellowships and grants and those who have excelled in teaching, mentorship, leadership, participation in public discourse, and research and creative activity. Faculty mentors were also recognized for their work with graduate students.

“Florida State has attracted some of the top graduate students from Florida, from around the United States and from around the world,” said Steve McDowell, interim dean of The Graduate School. “Graduate students are central to undertaking FSU’s important missions of education, research and creative inquiry, and service.”

So far during the 2025-2026 academic year, FSU graduate students have won 135 national fellowships and grants, higher than last year’s near record of 131. That number is expected to grow and includes recognition and funding from the National Science Foundation, the American Heart Association, the National Institutes of Health, the Fulbright Program, the Florida Legislative and Gubernatorial Fellows programs and the McCain Global Leaders Program.

“Graduate funding opportunities are competitive by nature, and so it is a testament to the strength of FSU’s graduate programs and, most importantly, our graduate students, to have this number of externally funded students in a year,” said Keith McCall, assistant director of the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards.

The event kicked off Graduate-Professional Student Appreciation Week, a national observance FSU celebrates with a series of events focused on recognition, professional development, wellness and community connection.

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Florida State University will celebrate the contributions and achievements of its graduate and professional students during the annual national Graduate-Professional Student Appreciation Week, held April 6-10. 

The weeklong celebration highlights the essential role graduate and professional students play in advancing teaching, research, creative activity and service at FSU. Students from across disciplines are invited to take part in a series of events focused on recognition, professional development, wellness and community connection. 

“Graduate and professional students are central to the mission and success of Florida State University,” said Steve McDowell, interim dean of The Graduate School. “This week is an opportunity to honor their accomplishments, support their goals and express our appreciation for the many ways they strengthen our campus.” 

EVENT OVERVIEW: 

MONDAY, APRIL 6 

Celebration of Graduate Student Excellence 

10 a.m.-noon
FSU Alumni Center 

This event honors outstanding graduate students from across the university. It will feature remarks by keynote speaker Carrie Cooper, dean of University Libraries, and recognize the winners of the Graduate Student Leadership and Graduate Student Research and Creativity awards. 

TUESDAY, APRIL 7 

Financial Wellness Workshop: Retirement Planning – Determining Your Future (food provided) 

5-6 p.m.
Gus A. Stavros Center 

This workshop focuses on long-term financial planning and retirement preparedness and is open to all FSU students. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 

Digital Symposium: “Illuminations” 

10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Johnston Digital Studio (WJB G‑062) 

Hosted by the Reading‑Writing Center, this symposium showcases digital poster presentations featuring students from all the programs within the Department of English. 

Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition  

3-5:30 p.m.
College of Medicine, Peaden Auditorium 

This is an international research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland, Australia, that challenges graduate students to present their research and its significance in just three minutes for a non‑specialist audience.  

The competition is open to enrolled FSU master’s and doctoral students who have completed at least 18 credit hours and are presenting research conducted as part of their graduate program at FSU. 

Career Opportunities for Ph.D.s in a Government Research Setting 

4-5:30 p.m.
DeVoe L. Moore Conference Room (BEL 150E) 

Hosted by the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy in partnership with The Graduate School, this session features representatives from the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, a research arm of the Florida Legislature. 

Financial Wellness Workshop: Financial Planning Essentials – Key Aspects and Tools (food provided) 

5-6 p.m.
Gus A. Stavros Center 

This workshop focuses on core financial planning concepts and key tools to help students build a strong financial foundation and make informed financial decisions.  

THURSDAY, APRIL 9 

Dissertation Roadmap 

2:30-3:30 p.m.
Nancy H. Marcus Great Hall (4th floor, HSF) 

Hosted by FSU Libraries and the Graduate Student Resource Center, this session supports doctoral students in dissertation planning and progress. 

How to Navigate Campus Academic Job Interviews 

4-5:30 p.m.
Nancy H. Marcus Great Hall (4th floor, HSF) 

A faculty panel will share insights and strategies for successfully navigating academic job interviews. Featured panelists include Eric Chassignet, Oceanography; Paul Renfro, History; Svetla Slaveva-Griffin, Classics; and Nora Underwood, Biological Science. 

Financial Wellness Workshop: Bring Questions, Get Answers (food provided) 

5-6 p.m.
Gus A. Stavros Center 

This interactive workshop gives students the opportunity to ask questions and receive practical guidance on a range of financial planning topics.  

FRIDAY, APRIL 10 

HSF Student Excellence in the Visual Arts Reception (with light refreshments) 

3-5 p.m.
Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House 

The reception celebrates student achievement in the visual arts. The university community is welcome to enjoy the art and light refreshments in the beautiful HSF House, as well as vote on student artwork for a “People’s Choice Award.” 

Opening Reception, MFA Graduating Class Exhibition: “Decentered Reframed” 

5:30-7:30 p.m.
Museum of Fine Arts 

The exhibition, on view April 10-May 2, highlights work by graduating MFA students and art award finalists. 

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A Florida State University graduate student has received the American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship to support his work connecting heart and brain health.

Exercise physiology doctoral candidate Thomas Bissen received the highly competitive national award that supports promising doctoral students pursuing innovative cardiovascular research. The fellowship provides funding and advanced training opportunities, allowing early career scientists to focus more deeply on their research while preparing to become leaders in improving heart health and overall well-being .

Originally from Tonka Bay, Minnesota, Bissen earned his bachelor’s in biology from St. Olaf College before completing his master’s in exercise physiology at The College of St. Scholastica. After completing his master’s degree, Bissen gained hands-on experience in a cardiovascular research laboratory at the Mayo Clinic.

“After seeing the real-world benefits of clinical research with patients with heart failure, I wanted to continue my education to design my own studies focused on improving cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health,” Bissen said.

The positive experience at the Mayo Clinic inspired him to pursue a doctorate, joining the Cardiovascular and Applied Physiology (CAP) Lab at Anne’s College under the mentorship of Assistant Professor Joseph Watso.

Bissen’s current research examines inspiratory muscle strength training and its potential to improve brain health in adults with obesity, connecting heart health and brain function. Inspiratory muscles are the muscles used to breathe in, primarily the diaphragm and muscles between the ribs, which play an important role in supporting healthy blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body.

His other interests include cardiovascular disease prevention and rehabilitation. His recent work has examined high-intensity interval training as a way to improve exercise capacity during cardiac rehabilitation for patients with heart failure.

Receiving the AHA Predoctoral Fellowship allows Bissen to dedicate more time and focus to his research.

“I designed my fellowship to incorporate collaboration, including in-person training with a leading expert in cerebrovascular function, to provide me with the skills to complete my proposed research,” he said.

He credits the mentorship and teamwork within the CAP Lab for helping him develop a competitive fellowship proposal and refine his skills as a researcher.

“The process has meant a lot, and receiving the award has given me more time to focus on my project,” he added.

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The Graduate School at Florida State University and the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards have announced the winners of the annual Graduate Student Op-Ed Competition, an initiative designed to spotlight the written communication skills of graduate students across disciplines. 

This year’s competition, funded by the Congress of Graduate Students, drew 51 submissions from students representing a wide range of academic programs. Five students were recognized with top awards in categories such as “Best Explanation of a Complicated Subject” and “Best Use of Evidence,” while five others received honorable mentions for their outstanding work. 

“The Op-Ed Competition is about empowering graduate students to share their research and perspectives with a broader audience,” said Keith D. McCall, acting director of the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards. “It’s encouraging to see so many students step up to the challenge of translating complex ideas into accessible, persuasive writing. Their voices are vital to public discourse.” 

2025 awardees: 

Best Explanation of a Complicated Subject  

Savoya Simone Joyner

Doctoral student in the Department of Psychology; Program in Neuroscience 

“The Key to Solving Sex Differences in Obesity Lies in Women’s Brains — If We Choose to See It” 

Joyner argues that understanding women’s brain biology could transform approaches to obesity research and treatment. The piece calls for a shift in scientific priorities to address sex-specific factors that influence weight and health outcomes.  

A Raleigh, North Carolina native, Joyner chose Florida State University for its interdisciplinary training and strong mentorship culture. She works with Lisa Eckel, director of the Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience in the Department of Psychology, whose research on sex differences and ingestive behavior, estrogen signaling and obesity, aligns with Joyner’s interests in how estradiol shapes feeding circuits and metabolic outcomes. 

“Science hasn’t always felt accessible to me — I grew up without scientists around me,” Joyner said. “Winning this award is not just recognition for an op-ed — it’s affirmation that taking a complicated scientific idea and making it clear, human, and accessible truly matters. It means I get to be the voice I wish I had growing up: breaking things down and showing that science is something anyone and everyone can understand and belong to. It validates that communication is just as essential as experimentation, and that making science accessible isn’t optional — it’s necessary.” 

Best Use of Evidence 

Suzy Ji 

Doctoral student in the Department of Educational Psychology & Learning Systems; Counseling Psychology and School Psychology (Combined Ph.D.) 

“Stop Treating Asian American Students as a Monolith” 

Ji emphasizes that Asian American students are far from a single, uniform group. Drawing on research, the op-ed calls for educators and counselors to recognize cultural and individual differences to better support academic success and mental health. 

Originally from Qidong City, Jiangsu Province, China, Ji chose Florida State University for its combined Counseling Psychology and School Psychology Ph.D. program, which offers research-driven and practice-focused training. She was especially drawn to working with advisers Lyndsay Jenkins and Elaine Luo, whose research interests align closely with her own. 

“I’m grateful for the chance to share a perspective that often goes unheard — that Asian American students are not a monolith,” Ji said. “Many young people feel unseen behind stereotypes, and being able to use evidence to highlight our experiences felt deeply important to me. Writing this op-ed reminded me why I care so deeply about this work, and I hope it encourages others to think critically about how we support students.” 

Best Call to Action 

Sarah Lovins Bacani 

Master’s student at the College of Social Work; Social Work.  

“The Hidden Curriculum of Care” 

Lovins Bacani calls attention to the overlooked aspects of undergraduate student development viewed through the lens of social work, advocating for a stronger focus on empathy and human connection. The op-ed argues that these elements are essential for effective practice and should be embedded in professional preparation. 

Originally from Chipley, Florida, Lovins Bacani chose Florida State University because of its strong commitment to student success and community engagement.  

“FSU is home,” she said. “I earned my undergraduate degree and met my husband here. I also work for the Department of Undergraduate Studies and have been honored to dedicate a significant portion of my professional career to the success of our undergraduate students. Continuing my academic journey at FSU felt like a natural extension of that commitment.” 

Best Organized Op-Ed 

Rachel Flemming 

Doctoral student in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics; Spanish Linguistics. 

“Research-Based Teaching Helps Students Get the Most from Language Requirement” 

Flemming argues that evidence-based teaching methods transform language requirements from a checkbox into a meaningful learning experience. The op-ed highlights strategies that boost engagement and long-term proficiency. 

A Tallahassee native, Flemming chose to attend FSU because of its commitment to excellence in research methodology. After graduation, she plans to pursue a teaching position to continue teaching Spanish and Linguistics and continue to research effective language teaching methods. 

“Winning this award is an honor that reflects the efforts I have made to communicate clearly about my research,” she said. “Writing in this style was definitely outside of my comfort zone, but I value being able to help people understand why research on language teaching is needed. This was a rewarding experience that helped me to refine my communication skills, and I hope other graduate students will be inspired by this piece, and will try it in future years.” 

Most Persuasive Op-Ed 

Athena Thai 

Doctoral student in the Department of Psychology; Clinical Psychology. 

“Social Media Isn’t Perfect—But It’s Not the Villain” 

Thai challenges the narrative that social media is inherently harmful, pointing to its role in supporting relationships and community. The op-ed calls for a nuanced perspective that weighs its positive and negative impacts. 

Thai, originally from Morris Plains, New Jersey, chose to attend Florida State University for its plethora of resources for research and mentorship from distinguished professors. After graduation, Thai aspires to become a tenure-track professor, achieving a balance between teaching, research and clinical practice. 

“This experience has been really valuable to me because one of my goals as a researcher is to make our findings relevant and accessible to the public,” she said. “My hope is that people will increasingly rely on science to inform their stances on the issues that matter to them.” 

Honorable Mentions 

Best Use of Evidence 

Coreine Rainford 

Doctoral student in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning; Urban and Regional Planning 

Most Persuasive Op-Ed 

Gallage Ariyaratne 

Doctoral student in the Department of Biomedical Sciences; Biomedical Sciences. 

Best Call to Action 

Md Sazzad Mahmud Shuvo 

Doctoral student in the School of Communication; Communication. 

Best Explanation of Complicated Subject 

Rimil Guha Roy  

Doctoral student in the Department of Biological Science; Neuroscience. 

Best Organized Op-Ed 

Tzu-An Chiang  

Doctoral student in the Askew School of Public Administration and Policy; Public Administration and Policy 

“We hope this competition continues to grow and encourages more students to share their stories and solutions,” McCall said. “Congratulations to all who participated. Because of the research and perspectives shared in this competition, we are all better informed.” 

For more information, contact the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards at ogfa.fsu.edu. 

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Florida State University welcomed the president of Kyungpook National University and several other KNU administrators on-campus last month to discuss areas of collaboration while signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two universities.  

“This partnership with Kyungpook National University represents an exciting step forward in FSU’s commitment to global engagement,” said Stephen McDowell, FSU’s assistant provost for International Initiatives and interim dean of The Graduate School.  “By working together, we can create new opportunities for our students and faculty to collaborate across cultures, advance impactful research and foster meaningful connections that benefit both our universities and the broader international community.” 

“By working together, we can create new opportunities for our students and faculty to collaborate across cultures, advance impactful research and foster meaningful connections that benefit both our universities and the broader international community,”

 

—Stephen McDowell, FSU’s assistant provost for International Initiatives and interim dean of The Graduate School

Located in Daegu, South Korea, KNU is one of the nation’s flagship universities and the largest national university. It is ranked No. 3 worldwide in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which assesses 2,526 universities from 130 countries or territories based on their progress toward the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.  

KNU President Young-Woo Heo visited FSU’s Tallahassee campus along with several other delegates from KNU, including Jinseok Bae, dean of External Cooperation; An-Su Lee, dean of Student Affairs; and Hunwoo Lee, Office of International Cooperation.  

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Florida State University’s Center for Intensive English Studies (CIES) is expanding its global reach this semester with the launch of a fully online version of its renowned Intensive English Program, making high-quality instruction accessible to students around the world—no visa required. 

Designed for intermediate-level English learners, the new online program offers live, interactive classes taught by expert instructors with advanced degrees in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Students can choose from five core courses—Writing, Grammar, Reading, Speaking, and Listening—each meeting Monday through Thursday for seven weeks. 

“Expanding our English language instruction to an online format allows CIES to extend its reach far beyond Tallahassee, welcoming learners from around the world into the FSU community,” said Patrick Kennell, director of CIES. “This initiative not only supports global engagement but also strengthens FSU’s mission to be a leader in international education.” 

Part of The Graduate School, CIES is an English language school for students who want to succeed at an American university. All instructors are highly qualified and have master’s degrees in the field of Teaching English as a Second Language. In addition, CIES limits in-person enrollment to 150 students per session to provide personalized instruction in a safe, friendly environment.  

As of fall 2022, it was reported that in-person study was the primary mode of study for 92% of all Intensive English Programs. Offering an online option provides access to students through a reduced overhead cost (no travel, housing, transportation, etc.).  

As for the effectiveness of online courses compared to in-person instruction, one study showed that online Intensive English Programs significantly improved listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.  

“Offering our high-quality services fully online opens up a new world of opportunity for students, parents and people all over the world who would like to dedicate time to learning the language but can’t relocate,” said Angel Rios, instructor and testing coordinator at CIES. “Our program will give them the opportunity of being live with a teacher daily and receiving real-time feedback.” 

“Offering our high-quality services fully online opens up a new world of opportunity for students, parents and people all over the world who would like to dedicate time to learning the language but can’t relocate.”

— Angel Rios, instructor and testing coordinator at CIES

Each course for the Online Intensive English Program offered by CIES is priced at $520, and students may enroll in as many classes as they wish. Upon completion, participants receive a Certificate of Completion from FSU, including their CEFR proficiency rating. 

Beyond academics, the program fosters a vibrant international community. Students connect with peers from around the globe, gaining not only language skills but also cross-cultural friendships and confidence to communicate in English in any setting—academic, professional or social. 

Enrollment is now open for spring 2026, but space is limited. For more information or to apply, visit cies.fsu.edu/programs/online-intensive-english-classes. 

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Florida State University has announced the appointment of Steve McDowell as Interim Dean of The Graduate School. McDowell, a respected leader with extensive experience at both the college and university levels, is Assistant Provost for International Initiatives and the John H. Phipps Professor of Communication. 

McDowell also recently served as Interim Dean of the College of Communication and Information and co-chaired the Task Force on International Graduate Students, Postdoctoral Scholars, and Faculty Recruitment. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing graduate education and fostering international engagement at Florida State University. 

“We are confident that Dr. McDowell’s deep understanding of graduate education and collaborative approach will serve The Graduate School well during this transitional period,” said Joe O’Shea, vice president for Student Academic Success. “His dual role will strengthen our ability to navigate the evolving international graduate student landscape and aligns well with our current priorities.” 

As interim dean, McDowell will oversee The Graduate School’s daily operations and work to deepen its connections within the newly formed Division of Student Academic Success. 

“We have a strong tradition of student support and preparation, high performance in graduate education, research at FSU,” McDowell said. “I look forward to working with students, staff, and faculty in this important role and helping move the university forward.” 

O’Shea emphasized how graduate education is fundamental to FSU’s role as one of the nation’s leading research universities.  

“We are deeply committed to advancing The Graduate School’s capacity to support our graduate students and foster academic excellence,” he said. 

Florida State will launch a national search for the next leader of The Graduate School later in the academic year.  

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For many writers, completing a creative work involves countless revisions or even a full rewrite. Samuel Granoff, a doctoral candidate in the Department of English at Florida State University, had set aside his unfinished World War I novel until the Fulbright U.S. Student Program gave him the time, space and inspiration to start over.  

Granoff spent 10 months in France after receiving the Université Paris-Saclay Doctoral Research Award and used the time to research and rewrite the novel, which examines the experience of World War I through both contemporary and historical lenses to explore how war, memory and identity intersect across time.  

“As a writer, you often leave things in drawers and never look back at them,” said Granoff, who’s earning a doctorate in English literature with an emphasis on fiction writing. “The Fulbright has been this blessing that came down to give me another shot.” 

The Fulbright Program, the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government, is designed to increase understanding between U.S. citizens and people of other countries. 

Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant recipients are selected based on academic or professional merit and demonstrated leadership potential in their fields, with the program operating in over 160 countries worldwide. 

The primary source of funding is an annual appropriation made by Congress to the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments, host institutions, corporations and foundations also provide support.   

Granoff knew early in his graduate studies that he wanted to pursue a Fulbright to support a work of historical fiction. He reached out to the FSU Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards and worked with Assistant Director Keith McCall, who helped Granoff select his best work for the application. 

“We went through essay by essay, story by story, because you only get a couple pages to sell yourself to the program,” Granoff said. “Keith was really generous with his time and walked me through the entire process.” 

A few years ago, Granoff wrote the first draft of a novel set largely in Paris during WWI. After deciding to revisit it, he applied for the Université Paris-Saclay Doctoral Research Award, which supports U.S. doctoral students conducting research for their dissertations at the university, a public research institution south of Paris.   

At Paris-Saclay, Granoff conducted research at the Center for Cultural History of Contemporary Societies, a laboratory with a multidisciplinary approach to researching contemporary cultural history. 

Granoff spent time there researching and re-imagining this work, which was originally set in 1917 and focused on a soldier who had deserted his post and assumed a different identity.  

“It was a work that I couldn’t quite figure out,” he said. 

Inspired by a World War I reenactment he witnessed on one of his first days in Paris, Granoff refocused his novel to explore how war is understood through contemporary identities and decided to set the first half in 2018. 

“The best historical fiction still echoes into the present,” he said. 

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Two Florida State University graduate students have earned scholarships from an international women’s organization recognizing academic excellence by high-achieving doctoral students.

Clinical psychology doctoral student Morgan Robison and history doctoral student Danielle Wirsansky, both from the College of Arts and Sciences, have received 2025-2026 Scholar Awards from the Philanthropic Educational Organization, or P.E.O., a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting women through education.

“Morgan and Danielle’s success reflects the caliber of their work and the strength of FSU’s graduate programs,” said Adrienne Stephenson, director of FSU’s Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards. “By investing in these women scholars, P.E.O. empowers individual success while driving meaningful progress in research, leadership and innovation across disciplines.”

Founded in 1869 by seven female university students, P.E.O. has helped more than 125,000 women worldwide pursue their goals by providing upwards of $435 million in educational assistance. First awarded in 1991, P.E.O. Scholar Awards are highly competitive merit-based scholarships providing up to $25,000 for one year of study and research by women who will make significant contributions in their fields. Of the 776 women nominated by local P.E.O. chapters this year, Robison and Wirsansky are among only 100 honorees nationwide.

Robison, a rising fifth-year doctoral student in the Department of Psychology, conducts research on suicide risk, intervention and prevention in the Laboratory for the Study and Prevention of Suicide-Related Conditions and Behaviors under the mentorship of Thomas Joiner, Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor of Psychology and the director of FSU’s Psychology Clinic.

“The award brings valuable visibility to our work, which is an essential step in advancing suicide prevention research,” Robison said. “Receiving this generous scholarship is humbling and exciting. It will directly support my research and ease the financial transition into my clinical internship year.”

Robison’s work suggests that one’s perception of themselves — shaped by how they psychologically and neurobiologically interpret external, interpersonal experiences such as social exclusion — influences mental health outcomes more than the interactions themselves.

Suicide prevention research and identifying those most at risk is increasingly critical as suicide rates have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for minorities, with 2024 marking the highest rate of suicide in the U.S. since 1941, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“This work is deeply informed by philosophy, social psychology, history and neuroscience with each field offering a distinct lens on how we define and express our humanity as well as how that humanity can be diminished or denied,” Robison said. “I apply these perspectives in clinical psychology to better understand how we can foster belonging through our shared human experience, ultimately preventing serious mental health outcomes.”

“By investing in these women scholars, P.E.O. empowers individual success while driving meaningful progress in research, leadership and innovation across disciplines.”

– Adrienne Stephenson, director of FSU’s Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards

Also entering the fifth year of her program, Wirsansky is a doctoral student in the Department of History working under the mentorship of Nathan Stoltzfus, an FSU emeritus professor of history.

Wirsansky’s dissertation explores the experiences of World War II spies and focuses on women who served in the British Special Operations Executive and were captured by Nazis. By examining how gender shaped their recruitment, training, treatment in captivity and postwar memory, Wirsansky’s work illuminates how female spies navigated and challenged the gender norms of their time.

“Every time I uncover a letter, a photograph or a personal story, I feel like I am restoring part of their legacy,” Wirsansky said. “I want the public to recognize and honor the courage and contributions of these often-overlooked women, many of whom risked everything in service of freedom and resistance.”

Wirsansky also earned a 2024 Fulbright Study/Research Award from the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, funding her present archival research on female World War II spies at the Yad Vashem Museum in Jerusalem, Israel. This work not only expands upon existing knowledge of the past, but it also informs current and future understanding of how gender plays into wartime dynamics.

“I was thrilled and honestly a little stunned when I found out I received the P.E.O. Scholar Award,” Wirsansky said. “Graduate school can be financially and emotionally demanding, especially in the final stages of dissertation writing. This award helps me begin my career on solid footing with fewer obstacles and greater momentum.”

For more information about graduate fellowship and award opportunities, visit the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards at ogfa.fsu.edu.

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Mark Riley, dean of Florida State University’s Graduate School, today announced his plans to step down from his post following summer commencement.  

A world-renowned nuclear physicist, Riley will return to the Department of Physics faculty, where he will resume his impactful work in research, teaching and service. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the valuable contributions that Dr. Riley has made as dean of The Graduate School and know he will continue to bring great enthusiasm and spirit to our esteemed university in all his future endeavors,” said Jim Clark, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. 

Riley has overseen the education of graduate and professional students since 2017, first as interim dean for a year and then as permanent dean since 2018. During that time, graduate enrollment increased by about 3,000 students to over 10,000. FSU welcomed the university’s largest doctoral cohort ever in Fall 2024. In addition, this year, more than 20 graduate programs ranked in the Top 25 among public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report. 

Under Riley’s guidance, The Graduate School also implemented research communication competitions such as Master’s in Four and the Five-Minute Research Competition for postdoctoral scholars. He also launched GradWorld FSU, an interactive mapping website/video archive that allows graduate students, alumni, postdoctoral scholars and faculty to showcase their achievements and contributions to FSU. 

“The past eight years have been simply amazing and incredibly fun,” Riley said. “It has been the highlight of my FSU career to work with so many marvelous people across the whole university, in such a collective, coherent dynamic environment, that has helped FSU graduate programs move forward so magnificently in so many ways. I owe my success to my Graduate School team who have met every challenge — and there have been quite a few — with brilliant ideas and the necessary skills plus persistence to carry them out. MEGA-THANKS! FSU is a family, and I am honored to have played a part in continuing Nancy Marcus’ legacy of helping our graduate students ‘shine brighter’ so they can help change the world. They are the future! GO NOLES!” 

Riley joined the FSU faculty in 1991 and served as chair of the Department of Physics from 2007 to 2013. He was selected for an FSU Distinguished Research Professor Award in 2008, and in 2014, he was named a Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor, the highest honor the university faculty bestows on one of its own. He also served as interim Vice President for Research in 2022.  

An interim dean will be appointed in the coming weeks. 

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Leila Khalili, a doctoral student in the Nutrition and Food Science program at the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, and Emily Shiel, a doctoral student in the College of Medicine, have both received the two-year fellowship.

“Receiving the AHA Predoctoral Fellowship is a significant honor,” Khalili said. “The funding allows me to conduct more in-depth research, analyze larger datasets, and refine my methodologies. This recognition also supports my career goals by opening opportunities for further research collaborations and positioning me as a cardiovascular health and microbiota research scholar.”

Khalili’s work investigates how the beneficial gut bacterium, Akkermansia muciniphila, may influence plaque buildup in the arteries — a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis. This condition, characterized by the narrowing and hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup, is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease.

The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria in the digestive system, plays a key role in many aspects of our health, including cardiovascular health, Khalili says.

“This fellowship validates the importance of exploring alternative approaches to cardiovascular disease prevention, such as dietary interventions and gut microbiota modulation,” Khalili said. “It motivates me to continue pushing forward with my work and contribute to the growing body of research reshaping how we approach heart health. It also strengthens my commitment to improving public health by advancing more personalized, effective, and accessible treatments for cardiovascular diseases.”

Shiel’s doctoral studies have been focused on arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, an inherited heart disease caused by genetic defects in parts of the cardiac muscle, that causes ventricular arrhythmias.

“Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a genetic heart disease and a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in the young,” Shiel said. “Hearts from these patients become inflamed, causing cell death, and scar tissue. This weakens the heart from pumping properly and may cause abnormal heartbeats.”

Specifically, Shiel is investigating a type of white blood cell, called neutrophils, which are the first immune cell to activate when there is injury to the body and help repair tissue. In most people, they disappear. But in patients with ACM, they linger and potentially cause health issues.

Using animal models, Shiel plans to delete a gene and block one protein that leads to heart inflammation.

“This directly supports the mission of the AHA by uncovering potential targets to prevent heart inflammation in ACM and other heart diseases,” Shiel said.

The American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship supports emerging researchers whose projects demonstrate high potential to advance cardiovascular and cerebrovascular science and brain health. The award provides nearly $70,000 in funding to support their individual research initiatives.

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