Community Edition, Spring 2026

Dear friends of the Graduate School,

This past academic year has been a particularly tumultuous one for higher education—and that trend does not seem to be slowing. And yet, as the spring semester draws to a close, I can’t help but be proud of how the Graduate School is rising to meet the moment by adapting in new and important ways. One such example of that featured today is the Sloan Scholar program, a brand-new initiative launched as part of our Sloan Center for Systemic Change work, that allows us to recruit and retain promising graduate students in STEM disciplines.

Our ability to innovate is thanks in no small part to the amazing work of our students. Much of their incredible work is on full display in this edition, from a 91-year-old graduate student who is seeing through his late wife’s wish this spring to finish his PhD, to the Three Minute Thesis winner announcement and this year's Graduate Research Fellowship Program recipients. I am incredibly proud of all that our students accomplish, and I hope you join me in congratulating them on a job well done.

We hope you enjoy these stories that we’ve picked out, and that you connect with us through , , or , or on our website.

Sincerely, Ìý

Scott Adler Ìý

Dean of the Graduate School
Vice Provost for Graduate Affairs
Professor of Political ScienceÌý