Exploring Community Engagement as a Pathway to Professional Growth

Event Description

This interactive virtual workshop will explore how community engagement through research, teaching, and service can enhance professional development for graduate students, especially for those interested in careers beyond academia. Participants will gain insights into how meaningful partnerships with community organizations can build transferable skills such as leadership, communication, and project management while fostering a strong sense of purpose and societal impact.

The session will feature a panel of graduate students, including the two second annual SGS Community Engagement Award winners, who have worked closely with community partners. They will share their experiences and offer practical advice on translating those engagements into valuable career skills and professional growth. Speakers will include Karen Ardizzone (Student Volunteer Engagement), Ghada Endick (Graduate Student Life), and Ramazan Gungor (School of Graduate Studies), each bringing unique institutional and personal perspectives on the role of community engagement in graduate education and career development.

One of our panelists, Rebecca Risman, a Biomedical Engineering PhD candidate and one of the SGS Community Engagement Award winners, shares:

“As a graduate student, my work has centered on the intersection of research and community engagement, particularly with biomedical engineering approaches to study blood clotting. Throughout my experience, I’ve seen how collaborating with diverse stakeholders—whether through research, education, or outreach—can develop skills that are highly transferable beyond academia. Engaging with communities has strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas to different audiences, manage projects effectively, and work across disciplines. These experiences have also shaped my perspective on the broader impact of research and how we, as graduate students, can contribute meaningfully beyond the lab or classroom. I’m excited to be part of this discussion and share insights on how community engagement can be a valuable part of professional development.”

If you’re a graduate student curious about growing your skills and impact through community engagement or a faculty or staff member interested in supporting this work, we warmly invite you to join us for this conversation!