The Graduate & Professional Student Government of UNC Charlotte serves as the primary representative unit for all enrolled graduate and professional students by providing a free and open forum for all matters affecting graduate life and education.
GPSG seeks to lift the voices of graduate students by advocating for their interests both on and off campus. GPSG supports graduate student life and success by allocating event, travel and operational funding to Graduate Student Organizations.
Meet the Executive Board that represents, advocates for and supports Niner graduate students:
Cassandra Catacalos, Chief Technology Officer
Current Graduate Program: Biological Sciences
Concentration/Area of Emphasis: Molecular, cellular, developmental biology
Program Schedule: Full-Time
Delivery Method: In-Person
Current Employer: UNC Charlotte
Position: Teaching Assistant
Anticipated Graduation: May 2027
Undergraduate Institution: UNC Charlotte
Undergraduate Degree: B.S. in Biology
Favorite Place in Charlotte: Cajun Queen
Hometown: Mooresville, NC
Connect on LinkedIn
Why did you choose UNC Charlotte for graduate school?
I chose UNC Charlotte for graduate school mainly because of the biological department. I was doing undergraduate research and I really enjoyed the research environment and collaboration our department can offer as there are highly diverse topics within the biological sciences.
What was the transition like from undergrad to graduate school? How did UNC Charlotte make that transition smooth?
The transition from undergraduate to graduate school can be a significant and challenging step in one’s academic journey. It varies from person to person and program to program, but here are my favorite and most challenging adjustments from my own experience. Graduate school allowed for specialization, allowing me to delve deeper into my chosen field of study. I’ve had the opportunity to focus on a specific area of interest and try to push the boundaries of what is known (one of my favorite parts so far). The most challenging transition would be the demanding workload, which is required to feel like progress is being made. There may be a lot of reading, research, and writing required, and the pace can be intense, especially in the early stages. Charlotte has been a supportive environment for both the highs and the lows which are made up of individuals who demonstrate what passionate, well-balanced students look like. I only hope I can provide this same example to our new students!
How does a UNC Charlotte graduate degree prepare you for your future?
The transition to graduate school is a significant step forward in my academic and professional journey. It can be challenging, but it's also an opportunity for personal and intellectual growth. Advanced training, analytical skills, problem-solving skills, and the opportunity to network with individuals who can provide insight into obtaining our dream career are a few of the many teachings. Unexpected training - I now have multiple years of experience teaching and mentoring. Teaching and mentoring are some of the most underrated skills to have, in my opinion. Graduate school at UNC Charlotte provides this opportunity in many different forms, whether it’s teaching undergraduate lab classes or mentoring students in the research lab.
How can a new student make the most of their semester/graduate experience?
Any success I have is from setting clear goals that are attainable and realistic. Creating a plan and outlining what I hope to achieve short term (that day/week) and longer term (that semester). This is something I’m still working on, which is time management. Developing skills to balance all tasks (including self-care) and categorizing tasks by priority to determine the order to complete them. Lastly, seek feedback and continuous criticism from your mentor/s. Be open to constructive criticism from your mentor/s and professors and use this as a tool to improve yourself. Remember that graduate school is a journey, and it's okay to face challenges along the way. Adaptability and resilience are key qualities that can help you make the most of your semester or graduate experience. By staying committed to your goals, seeking support when needed, and actively engaging in your academic and professional community, you can set the foundation for a successful graduate experience and a promising future.
Erin Emiroglu, Secretary
Graduate Program: M.Ed. Higher Education
Program Schedule: Part-Time
Delivery Method: Hybrid
Current Employer: Transition & Success Initiatives
Position: Student Programming Graduate Assistant
Anticipated Graduation: May 2024
Undergraduate Institution: Winthrop University
Undergraduate Degree: B.A. in Political Science
Favorite Place in Charlotte: NoDa
Hometown: Myrtle Beach, SC
Dream Job: Student Affairs Professional
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What do you hope to accomplish this year in your role as an Executive Board member of the Graduate & Professional Student Government?
I think this is a very transitional year for GPSG. With new leadership with innovative ideas, I hope to see GPSG grow as an active organization on campus. Within my role as Secretary, I hope to increase communication between GPSG and the Graduate Student Organizations, help GPSG stay up to date with our growing graduate student community, and make GPSG a space for graduate students to make the most of their time at UNC Charlotte.
Why did you choose UNC Charlotte for graduate school?
During undergrad, I had many mentors who were alumni of UNC Charlotte. They talked highly about their experiences here and really encouraged me to consider it for graduate school. They were familiar with the faculty members in my intended graduate program and provided me with insight that would be helpful for my future. As I learned more and more about UNC Charlotte, I fell in love with the beautiful campus, the diverse community, and the opportunities it offered for me as a future higher education professional. My graduate program was actually the only program I applied to! I knew after undergrad that if I was going to continue my education, it would be here at UNC Charlotte.
What’s your favorite graduate school memory so far?
My favorite graduate school memory has been working Gold Rush through my graduate assistantship. I loved seeing students engaged and excited at the beginning of the semester. It’s experiences like that that reassure me that I have chosen the right career path and that Charlotte is the place for me.
Have you been involved in any practicums/research/assistantship experiences?
I am the current Student Programs Graduate Assistant within Transition & Success Initiatives. I get to work on initiatives like Gold Rush, First 49, and First-Generation College Student Week. I’ve loved being able to connect with students, undergraduate and graduate, in this role and help enhance their Charlotte experience. Whether I’m handing out Niner Pride shirts or welcoming families on Family Weekend, I am helping Niners feel like they are a part of Niner Nation!
How can a new student make the most of their semester/graduate experience?
It can definitely be harder for graduate students to feel engaged with the campus community. I encourage these new graduate students to take advantage of the different opportunities available to them, like GPSG. Attending events hosted by the Reynolds Center for Graduate Life & Learning or graduate student organizations is a great way to make connections with other graduate students on campus.
Adams Familusi, Vice President
Graduate Program: Ph.D.
Concentration/Area of Emphasis: Geotechnical Engineering
Program Schedule: Full-Time
Delivery Method: In-Person
Supervisor: Professor John Daniels
Position: GPSG Vice President
Anticipated Graduation: May 2027
Undergraduate Institution: Federal University of Technology, Akure. (FUTA)
Undergraduate Degree: Civil Engineering
Hometown: Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
Dream Job: Consulting Professor
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What do you hope to accomplish this year in your role as an Executive Board member of the Graduate & Professional Student Government?
I am working towards accomplishing at least these two goals:
- To work with my co-executive members on making the 23rd Graduate Research Symposium a big success for the UNC Charlotte Research Community.
- To provide graduate students with important information and resources that would make graduate student life more memorable and enjoyable. Such as to research and share uncommon opportunities that many graduate students don’t easily come by.
What’s your favorite graduate school memory so far?
I think the Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG) election period is one of my favorites. In retrospect, it is interesting to think about how I engaged people to vote and shared my plans with them. I think I might like to do something like that again, not necessarily for politics or for a position, but to engage a larger audience about a goal and make it happen.
How can a new student make the most of their semester/graduate experience?
From experience, one of the important skills a new student needs for an awesome graduate school life is to practice “Effective Communication”. I am not referring to the ability to make a good presentation or pitch investment, these are great! However, I am referring to asking people questions when and where necessary, asking people for help, discussing difficult moments with friends, and creating a community of friends that communicate with one another. In my opinion, this is also effective communication, and it is very crucial for a graduate student. A lone-wolf strategy must be avoided at all costs because it does not help you maximize your time, and the resources UNC Charlotte has provided. The people around you; friends, research group mates, faculties and lots more are all part of the resources in my opinion.
How did you find a work-life balance?
I believe rest is as important as meeting deadlines. I plan according to deadlines and in between meeting these deadlines, I enjoy the process by taking myself out for a treat, talking to my family, watching soccer games, listening to music, attending church services, and going out with friends.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
“Fantasies and Realities are divergent”, I heard this from a friend, and it stuck! So, as you are trying to make your fantasies become a reality (it could be anything like making your aspirations come true), do not forget it is a huge task, so enjoy the moment and appreciate some of the converged fantasies-the little big wins!
Kaitlin Klotz, Chief of Staff
Current Graduate Program: Ph.D. in Biological Sciences
Program Schedule: Full-Time
Delivery Method: In-Person
Current Employer: Department of Biological Sciences
Position: Ph.D. student
Anticipated Graduation: December 2025
Undergraduate Institution: The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Undergraduate Degree: B.S. in Biological Sciences
Favorite Place in Charlotte: South End
Hometown: Matthews, North Carolina
Dream Job: Research Scientist/Professor
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What has been your driving force for enrolling in your degree program?
I am pursuing a doctoral degree in biological sciences, specifically in molecular, cellular and developmental biology. When I was seven, I decided that I was going to get a Ph.D. and I have been working towards that dream for 22 years. I enjoy solving problems, and my studies in biology have given me an opportunity to do creative problem-solving in a way that could improve the quality of life for people all over the world.
Why did you choose UNC Charlotte over other universities?
This August marks my tenth anniversary as a Charlotte Forty-Niner. I transferred to UNC Charlotte as a sophomore undergraduate student. I did not expect to stick around long; I was here to get my degree and get out. To my surprise, I fell in love with the university and decided to stay to earn a graduate certificate and a master's degree (both in bioinformatics) from UNC Charlotte. When it came time to apply for doctoral programs a year after completing my master's degree, I prioritized being in a place where I knew what support resources were available to make my experience as positive and well-rounded as possible. Especially since I returned at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was important to me to know exactly where I could go and who I could talk to when problems arose. My experiences as an undergraduate student and as a graduate student helped me to build a supportive network at UNC Charlotte that has contributed to my success during my time here.
If you work outside of graduate school, tell us about your career. What lessons have you learned in your courses that you could apply on the job?
I do not currently work outside of graduate school. In the past, I worked for Levine Cancer Institute as a research technician in the cancer pharmacology lab and I interned for the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences just before finishing my master's degree. At Levine Cancer Institute, I used hands-on research techniques I learned in my undergraduate and master's degree programs to complete experiments which resulted in co-authorship on two publications. At the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, I was able to apply lessons learned in my professional development courses to effectively network and identify mentors.
What has been the best part of your academic experience so far?
The best part of my academic experience has been the collaborative nature of my program. I can approach the other graduate students as well as the faculty in my department for advice and help on just about anything. Amongst my cohort, there is a spirit of support and shared success that I absolutely love.
How would you describe UNC Charlotte to someone considering a graduate program?
UNC Charlotte is an incredibly valuable education that often gets overlooked in our area. Our student community challenges students to better themselves through academic pursuits, extracurricular endeavors, and professional development and we support each other throughout the process. The opportunities for involvement in research are ample and there is no shortage of fantastic mentors to guide you through your graduate education and transition to your career. The resources available to UNC Charlotte students provide us with the support we need to succeed academically, socially and professionally.
What do you hope to accomplish this year in your role as an ambassador?
This year, I am excited to share my experiences as a UNC Charlotte graduate student with a new group of future Forty-Niners. I hope to be a resource for potential new students and provide them with the guidance to make the best decision possible for their graduate school home.
What do you hope to accomplish this year in your role as an Executive Board member of the Graduate & Professional Student Government?
As the Graduate and Professional Government Chief of Staff, my primary goal is to establish connections between GPSG and graduate students. There are over 6,000 graduate students at UNC Charlotte and GPSG acts as an advocacy organization to represent graduate student interests. To do this, I aim to identify student leaders who are invested in making the UNC Charlotte graduate student experience positive to build the GPSG cabinet. Once the cabinet members have been selected, my mission is to empower them to take an active role in advocacy for the students they represent and shape the graduate student experience at UNC Charlotte. I will act as a resource to help cabinet members in their advocacy and support their efforts throughout the year while working directly with the GPSG Executive Board to ensure that the cabinet has the resources they need to be successful in their advocacy and programming pursuits.
Yash Tadimalla, President
Yash Tadimalla is determined to make his mark. As a fourth-year Ph.D. student in computer science and sociology, he serves as president of the Graduate & Professional Student Government.
Why did you choose UNC Charlotte for graduate school?
First and foremost, UNC Charlotte's identity as a relatively young and evolving university held great appeal for me. It signified an institution with an open-minded approach, willing to explore new horizons and embrace innovation. As a young scholar eager to make a meaningful impact, this environment seemed like the perfect place to nurture my ambitions.
I was fortunate to find an advisor, Dr. Mary Lou Maher, who not only shared my research interests, but shared my passion for promoting equity in computer science education. This alignment was a key factor in my decision. It meant that my academic journey would be guided by someone who genuinely understood and supported my goals.
How does a UNC Charlotte graduate degree prepare you for your future?
My UNC Charlotte graduate degree is my compass for the future. What makes this experience special is the diversity that surrounds me daily. I've learned to navigate through various cultures and backgrounds, a skill that's crucial in today's globalized world.
As an international student, UNC Charlotte has been the perfect starting point. Charlotte is a welcoming city, and the university's global focus has allowed me to connect with peers from all corners of the world. This cross-cultural experience is an invaluable asset for my future.
My UNC Charlotte graduate degree isn't just about academics; it's about gaining practical skills, building connections and finding my path in the world.
What advice would you give to someone considering graduate school?
Find mentors to guide you, manage your time wisely, don't hesitate to seek help when needed, stay connected with friends and engage in diverse conversations. Make the most of University resources. Lastly, consider joining student groups and becoming a part of your graduate student government. Graduate school isn't just about studies; it's a journey of personal and professional growth. Enjoy every bit of it!
What’s your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place on campus has to be the Botanical Gardens, particularly the corner room in the greenhouse. I volunteered there for a semester or two, and it's a spot that holds a special charm for me. The next most calming thing is the feeling I get every time I watch the sunset from the top of the hill with Craver Road.
What’s your favorite graduate school memory so far?
One standout memory from my graduate school experience is from the fall graduate social in 2019. It was an event that I helped organize with the Reynolds Center for Graduate Life and Learning when I was a graduate life fellow. It was an absolutely fantastic experience. Not only did I forge friendships that have lasted a lifetime through organizing the event, but the entire experience was incredibly enjoyable. One of the highlights was seeing my mentors and colleagues, with whom I had worked closely for a substantial amount of time. It was a special feeling to be part of a community that not only encourages authenticity but also believes in your ability to succeed and empowers you to take on tasks you might not have believed you could do, all because of their trust in you.
Who inspires you the most?
Inspiration, for me, comes from various facets of life, as it's not always constant, and I find myself learning from different people and their experiences. I'm inspired by the generations of women who fought for freedom and the right to vote, LGBTQIA community members who've faced immense challenges, but continued to protect and uplift their communities despite losses, immigrants who've worked tirelessly to provide better lives for their children and parents who sacrifice their personal goals to nurture their families. It's their determination and ability to find strength in the face of adversity that truly inspires me as I navigate my personal challenges.
What do you like to do for fun?
Balancing graduate school and a social life is definitely a juggling act! When I do manage to snag some free time, I love getting creative in the kitchen. It's become a personal challenge to whip up vegetarian dishes from cuisines around the world. I'm also a fan of abstract painting; there's something liberating about putting brush to canvas without any preconceived notions. I've made it a tradition to host a "paint and sip" event for my birthday over the last four years. On a greener note, I find solace in gardening. My little garden patio is home to plenty of daisies and tiny wildflower pots. Watching those blooms thrive is oddly satisfying. Lastly, I'm passionate about meditation. I lead meditation sessions for my friends and even served as the president of the Sky Meditation Club on campus for three years. It's a great way to find some inner peace amid the grad school hustle!
What’s your favorite event at UNC Charlotte?
Without a doubt, one of my favorite events at UNC Charlotte has to be the international festival. It's an occasion that holds a special place in my heart. There's nothing quite like sampling foods from all around the world and the pure joy of bumping into friends amid the festivities. This year’s international festival is Sept. 21, 2024.
Aanuoluwapo Uduebor, Treasurer
Graduate Program: Public Policy
Concentration/Area of Emphasis: Data Privacy Policy
Program Schedule: Full-time
Current Employer: UNC Charlotte
Position: Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant
Anticipated Graduation: May 2025
Undergraduate Institution: Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
Undergraduate Degree: Urban and Regional Planning
Favorite Place in Charlotte: Boardwalk
Hometown: Ibadan, Nigeria
Dream Job: International Consultant
Connect on LinkedIn
Why did you choose UNC Charlotte for graduate school?
My first thought about UNC Charlotte during my search/application process was how much it reminds me of my alma mater - the building design, the vibe, the weather, and the location. As a suburban university, the proximity to the hustle and bustle of city life with the ability to enjoy a quiet area around the University. Aside from this, the nature of the public policy program offered as an interdisciplinary discipline meant I would be challenged enough yet be able to find familiar grounds, too. Lastly, funding opportunity.
If you are part of a graduate cohort community, describe your experience:
Coming into my doctoral program, I wanted to experience and enjoy graduate school as much as possible. I am part of the Nigerian Student Association (NSA) and the Graduate Public Policy Association (GPPA). These two organizations have played a significant role in my acclimatization to Charlotte & the university. The NSA helped me find my home away from home and ease me into the community again. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of my program, the GPPA helped me connect with my cohort and other cohorts and meet other faculty members. Aside from these two communities, the GPSG and Center for Graduate Life and Learning activities and resources have enriched my studies and grounded me in the graduate community, giving me a broader perspective beyond those in my program and similar cultural backgrounds.
How can a new student make the most of their semester/graduate experience?
When I started my program, my department linked me with two peer mentors, and my conversations with them were instrumental to my experience in the program. Get a peer mentor - someone a year or two ahead of you in your program. They will advise you on classes, materials, how to prepare for your qualifiers and every other aspect of graduate life. You can reach out to them when you have questions and speak to you, especially when imposter syndrome pops its head.
Secondly, get involved in the activities organized by GPSG and other campus organizations. Maximize the resources available to you with Reynolds CGLL resources and the Graduate & Postdoctoral Writing Center. Ask questions even though it seems dumb; you’ll find out quickly you are not the only one struggling.
How did you find a work-life balance?
I used to struggle with this a lot. Recently, I attended a webinar where the speaker shared about seeing life as a rhythm instead of balance. I shared a little about it in my LinkedIn newsletter - you can check it out here. Rather than seeing my life as walking on a line with several items stacked on my head (priorities) and trying not to fall, I see it as music - the highs and lows are what make it melodious and enjoyable.
This outlook has helped me be kinder to myself and adjust my priorities weekly or daily if necessary to achieve what is essential.