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Participants gather for a group photo at the ODU Graduate Program in International Studies’ Annual Graduate Research Conference. College of Arts and Letters

Graduate Society in International Studies

Vision

The Graduate Society for International Studies (GSIS) seeks to create greater unity among graduate students in international studies through academic and professional opportunities; connections to faculty, ODU administrators, student government, and the community; and fellowship among students in the Graduate Program for International Studies.

It bears highlighting that every student enrolled in the Graduate Program in International Studies at ODU is automatically a member of GSIS.

We envision the GSIS as a common forum for its members serving three broad functions: social interaction, academic/professional enhancement and community outreach. As an academic/professional society, GSIS will work as a conduit to the GPIS faculty. We will hold interaction programs where members can engage with the professors informally

Finally, as a community organization, GSIS would provide outreach to the larger ODU community. We envision participating in community activities in the University and the area, co-hosting of social events with other organizations and advocating for better support for graduate students. GSIS would also serve as the link between current students and our valued alumni. In the end, we once again thank all the members for your support and look forward to your participation in our events and activities. We hope you will provide feedback and offer us new ideas to pursue in the future.

This is your Society and only your engagement will make it stronger and more effective in the future. If you haven't already, please join the GSIS group in Facebook and also visit our website. And please feel free to email any of us or talk to us in person anytime.

Let's work together for a wonderful year at GPIS!


Meet the Current Officers

Iryna Zhuchenko, President

Iryna is a third year PhD Student with a major concentration in Conflict and Cooperation and minor in U.S. Foreign Policy. In her free time, Iryna enjoys reading, yoga, creating arts, and nature.

Newzaira Khan, Vice President

Newzaira is a third year PhD Student with a major concentration in Conflict and Cooperation and minor in Cultural Studies. Newzaira is a Clinical Social Worker in the State of Virginia. To check out some of her work you can visit: https://www.thesalaaminitiative.com/ .

Mel Miller-Felton, Secretary

Mel is a second year PhD Student with a major concentration in Cultural Studies and minor in Comparative & Regional Studies. Mel is a 23-year veteran of the Navy, and Clinical Social Worker.

Bolu Ayankojo, Treasurer

Bolu is a second year PhD Student with a major concentration in International Political Economy & Development and minor in Modeling and Simulation. Bolu enjoys reading, meeting with people, nature and listening to music.

Vera Shinard, Event Coordinator

Vera is a second year PhD Student with a concentration in Comparative and Regional studies and minor in Cultural Studies. She currently works at the General District Courts for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Her hobbies consist of traveling, cooking, and binge-watching films.

Stephanie Jones, Marketing Coordinator

Stephanie is a second year PhD Student with a concentration in Comparative & Regional Studies and minor in Cultural Studies. Stephanie works for the Asian Studies Institute at ODU. In her free time, she enjoys singing karaoke playing online games, studying new languages, and playing with her two cats.



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