Once a First-Gen, Always a First-Gen
Coming Fall 2024
Are you a first-gen undergraduate student interested in pursuing graduate studies? Do you want to hear from first-gen graduate degree holders?
The Graduate College hosts a special online information session titled Once a First-Gen, Always a First-Gen for first-gen undergraduate students and open to all students, which is held in the form of a panel discussion with successful first-gen graduate degree holders.
The panel discussion focuses on topics such as the panelists’ experience in graduate education, challenges they overcame, resources they found useful, and advice for current first-gen undergraduate students.
Moderator and Panelists
Dr. Erika Nielson - Moderator
Erika K. Nielson, Ph.D., is a faculty member in the Bachelor of General Studies. She received a B.A. in Anthropology from Texas A&M University, an M.A. in Reading Education from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, and a Ph.D. in Developmental Education, Literacy Specialization from Texas State University. Dr. Nielson is also a yoga student of 27 years and a yoga teacher of 23 years. Her research foci includes career preparation, educators and students in pre-kindergarten through higher education engaging in mindfulness, self-compassion, and yoga practices, and their understanding and observations of those practices, as well as the literacy practices of adult learners.
Dr. Scott Bowman
Dr. Scott Bowman is a Professor in the School of Criminal Justice & Criminology and the Special Assistant to the Provost. He joined the School of Criminal Justice & Criminology at Texas State University in 2006 and has held several positions on campus including Faculty Senator for the College of Applied Arts and Masters in Criminal Justice Program Coordinator. He has published two-edited books, several book chapters, and numerous peer-reviewed journals.
Mark Paz
Mark Paz is a Senior Lecturer and Basic Course Director in the Department of Communication Studies at Texas State University. He earned his B.B.A. in Business Administration from Angelo State University and M.A. in Communication Studies here at Texas State. He is the Creative Director and a speaker coach for TEDx Texas State University, and he serves as the faculty advisor for Lambda Pi Eta, the National Honor Society for Communication Studies students. Mark’s focus is on using communication to build strong relationships and good people, specifically through interpersonal communication and public speaking, two of his favorite topics to teach. As a first-generation college graduate, he is always excited to share any insight that might help future first-generation college students navigate their path to graduation and beyond.
Dr. Micaela Vargas
Dr. Micaela Vargas is a trailblazing first-generation college graduate, and currently, holds the position of National Co-Chair at Young Women in Bio (YWIB), where she actively contributes to mentoring and providing support to girls interested in pursuing STEM careers. She is also an STEMpreneur in the biotech and healthcare sectors, having founded a genomics consulting group. Beyond her entrepreneur pursuits, Dr. Vargas serves as a dedicated faculty member in the Department of Biology at Texas State University, where she guides and supervises students. Additionally, she takes on a multifaced role as a faculty facilitator for the Faculty Innovation Accelerator Program (FIAP), a Texas State University Innovation Corps site that mentors both faculty and student start-ups. Dr. Vargas is also a co-facilitator for the Faculty of Color and serves as a faculty advisor to student organizations, namely, Latinas in Research and the Minority Association for Pre-Health Professions (MAPPs). She has received prestigious awards, including her departmental recognition for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Service and the university’s Mariel M. Muir Excellence in Mentoring Award.
This event is organized by The Graduate College and co-sponsored by the First-Gen Proud Committee.
If you require accommodations due to a disability in order to participate, please contact 512-245-3451 or ods@txstate.edu at least 72 hours in advance of the event.
Texas State is a tobacco-free campus.