This month I am excited to share some recent accomplishments of our students and faculty in the areas of research and scholarship. This past Friday, we were treated to an amazing display of research communication skills in our third annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT). While this year's contest was University-wide, I am proud to report that Grad CLAS students swept the awards! Congratulations to First Place winner Samuel Sinemus (Psychology), Second Place winner Nick Langan (Software Engineering), and Audience Choice winner Christopher Quintana (Philosophy). Sam will be representing Villanova at the Northeast Regional 3MT Competition in April. We have posted some photos from the event, but please be on the lookout for an article, videos and more information about the regional event soon.

I have heard from CONCEPT Faculty Editor John Kurtz that he has received what may be a record number of submissions for this year's issue of our interdisciplinary scholarly journal. Thank you to everyone who submitted a paper for review and to those serving as editors and peer reviewers. I look forward to sharing the new edition and information about the journal launch party later this spring.

The Philadelphia Inquirer has recently published two Grad CLAS-related articles. Graduate History student Colin McCrossan published this piece about his work as a researcher for The Rooted Project, Villanova’s initiative to study its past and the history of slavery in Philadelphia’s suburbs. The amazing work of Biology professor Aaron Bauer, PhD, is highlighted in this piece about his discovery of a 110 million-year-old lizard. Former Villanova Biology graduate student Edward Stanley, PhD, '09 MS is mentioned in that article.

Finally, in this issue of GRAD CLAS NOTES, we highlight the work of a Theology doctoral student awarded a prestigious fellowship; two Grad CLAS students featured in this year's President's Report; and a determined Chemistry research team saving the world from disinfectant-resistant bacteria. Of course, this issue includes our usual line-up of important calendar dates; opportunities for academic and professional development; resources for mental health and wellness; opportunities to connect with other graduate students; and other events, reminders and news-to-use.

I wish you a restful and reenergizing spring break, and I look forward to sharing more great news from our community of learners in the coming months!

Villanova University Theology doctoral candidate the Rev. Andre L. Price, MDiv, will be spending the Fall 2022 semester at the Collegeville Institute in Collegeville, Minnesota, as a Bishop Thomas Hoyt Fellow. The fellowship will provide Price, who also serves as senior pastor at Mount Olivet Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, an opportunity to work on his dissertation, titled “God of our Weary Years,” and engage with other theological scholars from diverse backgrounds in research, community and prayer. READ MORE

The 2020-2021 Villanova University President's Report celebrates Villanova students who, as the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, ’75 says in his opening message, "have taken action during this year when we were told to stay put. These students are creators, connectors and innovators. They have delivered what our community and our world needs—visionary ideas, unwavering commitment, points of connection, moments of levity and joy." CLAS Graduate Studies is proud to have two students featured in this issue, Mervin Woodlin Jr. ’18 MA, ’22 MS (Mathematics and Applied Statistics) and Micaela Miralles Bianconi ’21 MA (History). See this year's President's Report online.

The COVID-19 pandemic is approaching its two-year anniversary. The use of disinfectants has been one of many methods deployed to try to stave off infection, with household items, like aerosol sprays and cleaning wipes, becoming commonplace for people around the globe. But another public health concern is appearing, antimicrobial resistance (AMR).Our increased use of everyday antimicrobial products speeds up bacteria's ability to survive the disinfectants that have been around for decades. A team of graduate and undergraduate students in the lab of Kevin Minbiole, PhD, professor and chair of Chemistry, is preparing chemical compounds that will kill off these resistant bacteria and has published a paper with their most recent findings. READ MORE

Career Fundamentals Series for Graduate Students – February 24 - March 24

Join the Villanova Career Center for a Zoom-at-Noon virtual deep dive into successful strategies for each stage of the job-seeking process. With so much movement in today's job market, shouldn't you be ready for your next promotion or transition? Hosted by Villanova's Career Transitions Coach, Meredith Okenquist '96, each session will give a detailed view of what you need to know in 2022, from polishing your resume through negotiating your next salary. Each session will be hosted via Zoom at 12 p.m. 

Graduate Student Faith Discussion Group – Wednesday Evenings

If you are a Christian/Catholic graduate student and Villanovan craving wholesome faith discussions and fellowship, the Graduate & Law Student Small Group is for you! The group meets virtually each Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. Please contact Francesca Medora with questions. Register for the Zoom link.

Summer Research Fellowships – Doctoral Student Applications Due March 1

Doctoral students in CLAS are encouraged to apply for a summer fellowship to support their research. For details regarding eligibility requirements, criteria, how to apply, deadline for proposals and review process, faculty evaluation of the project, and award recipients, please visit the Graduate Summer Research Fellowship page.

Faculty Open Educational Resource Adoption Award Forum – March 9

Please join the Affordable Materials Project (AMP) in celebrating faculty members, Jeanne Liedtka, JD, and Valentina DeNardis, PhD, Director of Classical Studies, awarded Open Educational Resource (OER) Faculty Adoption Grants for 2021-22 in a virtual forum on Wednesday, March 9, from 3 - 4 p.m. Faculty will share their insights into the benefits and challenges posed by redesigning their courses using free, openly licensed textbooks. Students will share feedback on using OER. This event is perfect for faculty considering or curious about OER and everyone interested in educational affordability, accessibility, and inclusivity. Register for the event.

Grieving Amidst the Grind: Staying on Track While Coping with Grief and Loss – March 15

In this virtual program on Tuesday, March 15 at 1:30 p.m., students will have the opportunity to hear from a psychologist about common experiences of grief, ways that grieving as a student is complicated, as well as ways to cope with their grief amid the stress and demands of the academic year. There will also be time for students to share their experiences and what brought them to this program. Presented by Dr. Candace Post, University Counseling Center. Register for the Zoom link.

Roundtable Discussion on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Graduate Education – March 15

Hosted by the Office of Intercultural Affairs and Graduate Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, this informal roundtable discussion among graduate students seeks to encourage discussion about DEI in graduate education at Villanova and garner feedback about student experiences at the University. The dinner discussion will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15 in Dougherty Hall, Room 217. Drop in anytime! For more information and to RSVP, please contact Tyler Kemp.

Villanova Reflect & Connect Dinner: A Graduate Student Roundtable – March 22

Graduate Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is pleased to offer an opportunity to connect with your peers for mental wellness over great food. The dinner will be held on Tuesday, March 22 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. in Garey Hall, Room 10A. We have partnered with The Reflect Organization, a mental wellness nonprofit with college and university chapters around the country, dedicated to empowering students to foster a culture of authenticity, self-love and allyship on campus. The free dinner will include a facilitated conversation on mental wellness topics such as work/life balance, stress, thinking about the future, social life and much more. Learn more and register.

Healthy and Unhealthy Relationship Patterns – April 5

Relationships can be complex, and this workshop will discuss dynamics within both healthy and unhealthy relationships to explore some common patterns relationships can fall into. In this virtual event on Tuesday, April 5 at 3:00 p.m., we’ll discuss foundations of healthy relationships as well as ways of identifying problematic dynamics and addressing them. Presented by Dr. Samantha Logan, University Counseling Center. Register for the Zoom link.

Need help creating a schedule for the week? Not sure how to spread out big assignments? You’re not alone! Learning Support Services (LSS) is offering Drop-in Group Academic Coaching sessions to help you feel better prepared for class and more on top of your work. We’ll help you make a semester calendar or an individualized homework plan for the week, and answer all questions. During the Spring 2022 semester, LSS will be offering Drop-in Group Coaching on Fridays between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. in Falvey 205.

Through Thrive 365, you can engage with a page that adapts and customizes to your personal and academic goals and interests … 365 days a year! Find tips and tools for everything from your mental and physical health, to friendships and finding balance in a helpful and easy to use portal. Visit the Thrive 365 portal.

Graduate Student Job Posting – The UNIT Help Desk

The UNIT Help Desk is looking for graduate students interested in honing their people and critical thinking skills, regardless of major. No prior experience required, and all training is provided. Learn more and apply.

The Office of Graduate Studies is excited to introduce a new Facebook group for Villanova University Graduate CLAS Students. Run by the graduate assistants in our office, this group will be a resource for all current students to interact on an informal basis, create community and even search for roommates. Use this link or search “Villanova Grad CLAS Students - 2021 – 2022” on Facebook to join. *Note – it is a private group so all incoming members will be verified by admin before being permitted to join.*