What does effective graduate research look like, and how do you find a mentor who guides you to success? In this episode of Graduate Students Den, Halima, Kelsey, and John welcome Professor Louisa Ha from BGSU’s School of Media and Communication. She shares her journey as a scholar focusing on social media influencers, online audiences, and global media communication. She reveals how she mentors graduate students to publish, collaborate, and carve their own path. Whether you are just starting your graduate journey or you are deep in research mode, this episode gives you practical advice, mentorship insights, and inspiration to take your work to the next level.

Prelims and proposal defenses are two of the most nerve-wracking milestones in any graduate student’s journey. In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, hosts John, Kelsey, and Halima are joined by GCA President Madison Clatt to unpack their real experiences navigating these major academic hurdles.

Whether you’re just starting to think about your prelims or gearing up for your proposal defense, this episode offers honest advice, a few laughs, and plenty of encouragement to help you push through with confidence.

🎓 Tune in to hear what really happens behind the scenes — and how to come out stronger on the other side.

Starting a PhD can be both exciting and a little intimidating. In this episode of Graduate Students Den, hosts John, Kelsey, and Halima sit down with Aisha Tahir, a first-year PhD student in the School of Media and Communication at BGSU, to talk about what the first semester of doctoral life really feels like.

Aisha opens up about finding balance between research and life, adjusting to new expectations, and navigating the highs and lows of the PhD journey. Whether you’re just applying or already in grad school, this conversation offers practical advice, honest reflections, and a comforting reminder that you’re not alone.

What does life after graduate school really look like in academia? This week on The Graduate Students Den, hosts John, Kelsey, and Halima sit down with Dr. Lisa Hanasono, professor in the School of Media and Communication at BGSU and Academic Director of Training at the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD). She shares practical advice on building a sustainable academic career, navigating the job market, finding work-life balance, and redefining success beyond publications and tenure.

Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation about how to not just survive but thrive in academia.

📧 Contact Dr. Hanasono: [email protected]

🌐 Learn more about the NCFDD: https://www.ncfdd.org/

What really happens after you hit submit on your graduate school application? In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, John, Halima, and Kelsey sit down with Dr. Radhika Gajjala and Dr. Yanqin Lu from BGSU’s Graduate Programs Committee to uncover the truth about how applications are reviewed.

We discuss the entire process, from start to finish, what makes a strong application stand out, and the common mistakes that can hold applicants back. Our guests share insider advice on crafting powerful personal statements, the weight given to GPAs, what faculty look for beyond GPAs, and the qualities that truly define a strong graduate student.

If you’ve ever wondered what admissions committees really think, this conversation pulls back the curtain and gives you the tools to approach the process with confidence.

What is it really like to stand at the front of a classroom while still sitting in one yourself? In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, John, Kelsey, and Halima get honest about the highs, lows, and hilarious moments of being both graduate students and instructors.

From juggling lesson plans with classroom deadlines to those small “teaching wins” that make it all worthwhile, this conversation explores the balancing act that defines graduate school life. Whether you are already teaching, about to start, or just curious what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers honest insights, a few laughs, and practical advice for grad instructors everywhere.

Applying to graduate school can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we sit down with Eliza Dickey from BGSU’s Graduate College to talk about everything prospective students need to know — from writing a strong personal statement and building a standout CV, to understanding standardized tests, funding opportunities, fee waivers, and even the impact of recent policies like Ohio’s SB1.

Whether you’re considering BGSU or any other program, this conversation will help you navigate the graduate admissions process with clarity and confidence.

In this episode of Graduate Students’ Den, we sit down with Dr. Divya S, a new Assistant Professor in BGSU’s School of Media and Communication. She shares her journey from graduate student to faculty member, what it’s been like starting in academia, and her advice for graduate students considering similar paths. Join us for an honest conversation about challenges, lessons learned, and the excitement of building a career in higher education.

The Graduate Students Den is back for Season 2! In this first episode, we catch up on what we did over the summer—work, rest, travel, and everything in between—and share what we’re looking forward to (and maybe dreading) this semester. Join us for a fun and honest conversation about graduate school life, balancing work with personal growth, and the goals we’re setting for the Fall.

Whether you’re a returning listener or new to the Den, this is the perfect way to start the semester with us.

Grad school is more than coursework and research; it’s also about mastering the unspoken rules that set successful students apart. In this episode, we unpack the hidden curriculum of graduate education. From how to navigate office hours effectively, to the unexpected power of leadership roles, and the importance of reading beyond the syllabu,s we explore the subtle skills that no one formally teaches but everyone is expected to know.