Colorado State University Graduate School

RNA molecules send “messages” to cells on how, when, and where to build proteins in our body. When this message is disrupted, neurodegenerative diseases like frontotemporal dementia and ALS can occur. Ambika Basu, PhD candidate in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology explained this during her presentation “RNA Zipcode: Signed, Sealed, Delivered” at CSU’s 3MT competition. Ambika’s research aims to decode the signals that direct RNA molecules to the right places—work that could lead to new treatments aimed at restoring proper RNA molecular movement and messaging to cure disease. ???? Colorado State University | College of Natural Sciences

Finding mentors with different perspectives can be a game-changer. @Matt Hickey, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs in CSU College of Health and Human Sciences, shares why this can make all the difference! https://lnkd.in/gAav4A2i

Here’s our recap of the March Mentor Monday session. Guest speaker Dr. June Gruber shared insights on cultivating a healthy grad mentoring dynamic. Key takeaways: - Embrace a 'multiple mentor model' for diverse support - Set clear expectations with written agreements - Normalize mental health in mentoring conversations - Mentees often thrive when mentors use an authoritative approach - holding high standards and providing strong support Read more in Dr. Gruber’s co-authored article: https://lnkd.in/g9adMNew

Could a common food waste product help fight malnutrition? Scott Wrigley, a doctoral student in CSU Food Science and Human Nutrition, explored this question at CSU’s 3MT competition during his presentation, "Turning Waste into Wellness: Can Rice Bran Revolutionize Malnutrition Treatment?" Researchers have found a link between an abnormal microbiome and malnutrition in children. In many countries, white rice is a staple, but rice bran, the nutrient-rich outer layer, is usually discarded. What if, instead of being wasted, it could help nourish? A study found that when children under two ate rice bran, their gut microbiome improved - a promising step toward a new approach to malnutrition treatment.

Last month we highlighted two online career training platforms now available to graduate students to help them plan and prepare for careers after?graduate?school. Beyond the Professoriate is designed for doctoral students and postdocs and Beyond Graduate School is designed for master’s students. Find out how to access these resources (it’s easy!) at: col.st/euSmy

Engineering shapes our world, but are engineers prepared for the ethical challenges they'll face? At CSU’s 3MT competition, Chika Winnifred Agha, PhD candidate in CSU Civil and Environmental Engineering, broke it down in her talk: “Technical Concept + Ethics = Engineering.” Her research found that while engineers graduate with technical skills, many aren’t ready for real-world ethical dilemmas. Her solution? Weave ethics into engineering education to better prepare students for the challenges ahead.

Dr. Sue VandeWoude, dean of CSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and University Distinguished Professor, often thinks about how unforeseen events have shaped her career, and how she has been guided by embracing moments of serendipity. Whatever it is, it has worked. She is a leader in the field of laboratory animal and comparative medicine, runs a lab that researches domestic and nondomestic feline viruses, and is a strong advocate for the value of involving veterinarians in research and multidisciplinary science. In 2019, in recognition of her scientific contributions, Dean VandeWoude was elected to the National Academy of Sciences, among the highest honors given to scientists. In 2022, she became the 11th Dean of CSU’s world-renowned vet school, the first woman to hold the position. Learn how Dean VandeWoude fell in love with research, about her joy of seeing students succeed and the time she sat next to Neil deGrasse Tyson on an airplane: https://col.st/J9aTI

Our next Mentor Monday session, on Monday, March 3, is with guest speaker Dr. June Gruber. Gruber is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado. She is an expert on mental health, positive emotion, and happiness. Graduate students, postdoc scholars, and faculty are invited to join us for this session from 12 - 1 p.m. Registration is required and lunch is included. Register at: col.st/9tEiS

Imagine explaining years of research into an understandable three-minute speech. That’s exactly what ten graduate students did last week at CSU’s 3-minute thesis (3MT) competition! Charlize Geer, PhD student in Cell and Molecular Biology, won first place for her presentation “Stopping a Virus in its Tracks: Understanding Protein Interactions in La Crosse Virus.” Geer will represent CSU at the Western Association of Graduate Schools and CO-Council of Graduate Schools competition. The top three presenters, Geer, Shanelle Wikramanayake, and Logan Dean MS, received prize money from the Office of the Vice President for Research. Congratulations?to everyone who presented on such diverse and important topics last week, your hard work did not go unnoticed!

Grad students & advisors—have you talked about AI use yet? CSU doesn’t have a university-wide policy on generative AI, meaning the default is unauthorized unless explicitly allowed by faculty. As AI tools become more common in academic work, clear expectations are key. During our February Mentor Monday session, Dr. Joseph Brown recommended you: ?? Discuss AI use & create a written agreement following discipline guidelines—update it yearly. ?? Be transparent—cite AI use when in doubt. ?? Avoid AI-generated content outside your expertise. Future Mentor Monday sessions are at: col.st/9tEiS