Shop Talks

Think of this Shop Talks session as a mini-orientation or orientation refresher! Ashley Carrington, Student Development Specialist II at The Graduate College, goes over several resources available through The Graduate College and the university, including career prep services, library tools, graduate student organizations, funding opportunities, and more. Tips from Ashley and other graduate students also shared at the end of this presentation that can help you succeed in your graduate studies.

Presented by Ashley Carrington, Student Development Specialist II for Retention, The Graduate College

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Think of this Shop Talks session as a mini-orientation or orientation refresher! Ashley Carrington, Student Development Specialist II at The Graduate College, goes over several online resources available through The Graduate College and the university, including career prep services, library tools, graduate student organizations, funding opportunities, and more. Tips from Ashley and other online graduate students also shared at the end of this presentation that can help you succeed in your online graduate studies.

Presented by: Ashley Carrington, Student Development Specialist II for Retention Initiatives, The Graduate College

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Have a business idea that’s ready for the next step? The Campus-to-Community (C2C) Student Fund helps student entrepreneurs turn campus ventures into real-world businesses. In this workshop, you’ll learn how C2C supports students from all majors—undergraduate and graduate— with mentorship, funding opportunities, and hands-on guidance. You’ll discover how to refine your business idea, test your market, and build a compelling pitch—while connecting with experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and alumni who can help open doors.
More than just a competition, C2C is a launchpad into the regional startup community. As part of the program, selected students pitch their ideas to Bobcat alumni and receive valuable feedback to move their ventures forward.

In this workshop, you will:
Learn what the C2C program offers and who should apply
Understand the application process and key deadlines
Get practical tips to strengthen your application and pitch.

Presented by: Quinn Valentine, Director, Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, 
Kendall Perkinson, Program Coordinator, Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, &
Tyson Rizzo, Fund Architect & Manager for the Campus to Community Launch Fund, Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Register today!

Interested in participating in the 3MT® competition? Join Graduate College Associate Dean, Dr. Patti Giuffre, for a 3MT® orientation and tips session, which will cover everything you need to know about preparing for and participating in the 3MT®.
The 3MT® is a research communication competition in which PhD/EdD and master's students on a thesis track present their thesis or dissertation research in three minutes or less and with one PowerPoint slide. More information can be found on our website, visit: www.gradcollege.txst.edu…
This workshop covers finding unique databases, identifying important articles through citation analysis, using citation management tools, exploring a topic with knowledge graphs, and opportunities for publishing your scholarship and building your research identity.

Presented by Dr. Patti Giuffre, Associate Dean, The Graduate College

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This Shop Talks session is designed for doctoral students seeking tenure-track and lecturer positions at four-year colleges and universities. It will provide an overview of different types of universities, the typical timeline of job searches, and job application materials. In addition, participants will learn where positions are posted, how to read job advertisements, and how to prepare the various documents needed for applications. It is never too early to participate in this workshop: The earlier you know what is expected, the better you can seek out opportunities during your graduate career that will make you marketable later on. (Interviews and negotiations will be covered in later workshops.) Job interviews and job offer negotiations will be covered in separate sessions.

Presented by Dr. Andrea Golato, Dean, The Graduate College

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Graduate students are more successful in their graduate studies and future careers if they have productive mentorship relationships. This session will provide tips about working successfully, effectively, and efficiently with research advisors, thesis or dissertation committee chairs, and/or mentors. The Associate Dean of The Graduate College will provide several tips for communicating and clarifying expectations with research advisors. By attending this session, you will learn how to seek out advisors and mentors, what to expect from an advisor or mentor, and what your role in a mentorship relationship involves.

Presented by: Dr. Patti Giuffre, Associate Dean, The Graduate College

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This presentation will introduce participants to the fundamentals of good science communication. Attendees will learn techniques such as storytelling and visual design, as well as strategies for increasing clarity while decreasing length. Whether you are preparing to present in the 3MT® competition, submit an application for external funding, or share the results of your research with the general public, this session will give you the tools you need to engage your audience and improve their understanding and recall.

Presented by Dr. Andrea Hilkovitz, External Funding Coordinator, The Graduate College

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Graduate school is time-consuming, and balancing academic, work, and personal life is challenging. This session will provide attendees with tips and techniques for evaluating and managing their time and attention. Students will learn mindful productivity strategies to increase time for deep work and reduce stress and overwhelm. Both print and digital tools will be introduced.

Presented by Donna Dean, Research Coaching Coordinator, University Libraries

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Thinking about the faculty job market? Join us for an insider conversation with recent TXST graduate alumni who have successfully navigated the transition from graduate student to faculty member. These new faculty will share what they learned on the job market: what worked, what surprised them, and what they wish they had known before applying and interviewing. From crafting strong applications to surviving campus visits and evaluating offers, you’ll hear practical advice, real-world insights, and honest reflections you won’t find in a handbook. Whether you’re just starting to think about academic careers or preparing to go on the market soon, this session will help you approach the process with greater confidence and clarity.

Panelists:
Dr. Katlyn Cassagrande, Assistant Professor, Department of Criminal Justice, Utah State University
Dr. Dillon Monroe, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, Southern Utah University
Dr. Bren Vander Weil, Assistant Professor of Instruction and Undergraduate Coordinator, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Texas State University
Dr. Elizabeth Wrightsman, Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Moderator: Dr. Patti Giuffre, Associate Dean, The Graduate College

Sound data management practices can ensure long-term usability of your data, increase your productivity, and promote collaboration. Learning and adapting a few good habits can go a long way in managing your data. In this webinar, you’ll be introduced to tips for managing data, resources through Texas State University, as well as best practices for workflows, file management, documentation, storage, and preservation. This workshop is helpful for researchers in any discipline and stage in their career. Attendees currently planning or conducting research will benefit most from this workshop.

Presented by Xuan Zhou, Data Curation Specialist, University Libraries

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When you write a thesis, dissertation, or academic journal article, you are addressing a small audience of academics in your field. However, academic writers sometimes need to speak to wider audiences with limited or no specialized knowledge, such as when writing proposals for funding, when creating outreach materials for the public, or when communicating with the media. During this session, you will gain practice with the following:

• analyzing your audience
  
• recognizing and avoiding jargon
  
• editing for simplicity and conciseness
  
• using examples and anecdotes
  
• writing with directness
  

Presented by: Dr. Andrea Hilkovitz, External Funding Specialist, The Graduate College &
Dr. Brian Smith, External Funding Specialist, The Graduate College

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Are you starting to think about or writing your dissertation proposal? Then join us for an informative workshop on transforming your idea into a finished proposal! Learn how to transform a research idea into a compelling dissertation proposal that clearly communicates the significance, feasibility, and design of your study. This session covers key proposal components, common pitfalls, and strategies for navigating the approval process. Bring your questions!

Panelists

Dr. Lauren Brentnell, Assistant Professor of Instruction in English and Associate Director of the University Writing Center
Dr. Aamar Danish,  Bobcat alum (Ph.D., 2024, Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization), Postdoctoral Scholar in Engineering Management
Dr. Melissa Martinez, Professor and Coordinator of the PhD in Educational and Community Leadership Program
Moderator: Dr. Patti Giuffre, Associate Dean, The Graduate College

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Learn the secrets of successful graduate students. In just one hour, you will understand advanced search queries, effective research, database tricks, and library services you never knew existed.

This workshop covers finding unique databases, identifying important articles through citation analysis, using citation management tools, exploring a topic with knowledge graphs, and locating opportunities for publishing your scholarship and building your research identity.

Presented by: Donna Dean, Research Coaching Coordinator, University Libraries

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Join a panel of neurodivergent scholars—three Postsecondary Student Success alumni and one current doctoral student—for an honest conversation about navigating graduate school when your brain works differently than the system expects. Through moderated discussion and audience Q&A, panelists will share the strategies, tools, and accommodations that actually helped them manage competing demands, sustain momentum on long-term writing projects, and push through feeling stuck or overwhelmed—including what they've learned to ignore or reinvent beyond the usual advice to "just get organized." Whether you're tackling a thesis, a dissertation, or the daily balancing act of grad school, you'll leave with practical approaches and the reassurance that there's no single "right" way to succeed. All Bobcats are welcome.

Presented by: Dr. Lori Wischnewsky, Postsecondary Success Alumni TXST’24, NeuroCats Program Coordinator - Disability Services,
Dr. Allie Crawford, Postsecondary Success Alumni TXST’25, Coordinator & Lecturer for ELAR – Curriculum & Instruction,
Dr. Camrie Pipper, Postsecondary Success Alumni TXST’26, Manager - Writing Center,
Jess Meurer Sobhani, Postsecondary Student Success Doctoral Student

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This session is for continuing TXST students for The Graduate College Scholarship. Find out how to make your application stand out! This presentation will offer valuable insights into the application and review processes for these awards, including tips and tricks for success, requesting letters of recommendation, common mistakes to avoid, and an insider perspective on how this funding is awarded and disbursed.

Presented by Lynnette Lombardo, Internal Funding Specialist, The Graduate College

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Many applications require personal statements, but writing them can present numerous content selection challenges. What should you choose to say about your personal history — and how do you make it relevant? This Shop Talk will focus on personal statements in the context of external funding applications, but the advice and tips shared will be widely applicable to other personal statements. During this session, you'll learn how to:

• curate your personal history
• create a compelling application story
• connect with the organization's goals

Presented by Dr. Andrea Hilkovitz, External Funding Specialist, The Graduate College & 
Dr. Brian Smith, External Funding Specialist, The Graduate College

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Networking is a critical skill for career success but finding the time and confidence to make it happen is not always easy. Come explore the essential career development skill of networking and how to make progress towards your career goals. During this workshop, you will learn about networking in a safe environment while developing an understanding of best practices, gain insights and practical tips about what networking is (and is not), and how to tap into the power of networking in a way that everybody can utilize.

Presented by Adam Hernandez, Career Educator, Career Services

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Designed for doctoral or master’s students writing a thesis or dissertation (or planning to!), this Shop Talks session focuses on important elements and strategies for successfully submitting the thesis/dissertation. One of our Degree Audit Specialists at The Graduate College, discusses helpful resources and information, required formatting, common mistakes and what reviewers are checking for when they look over your document. We encourage you to also check out the Thesis & Dissertation Information page on The Graduate College’s website to see the resources that are covered in this session.

Presented by Austin Hoeft, Graduate Degree Audit Specialist, The Graduate College

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The world of scholarly publishing is changing and evolving in many directions. This workshop is designed to help authors find and use the library and other tools to navigate the complex publishing landscape. Topics covered in the workshop include:

• Understanding open access journal options
• Learning to evaluate journals
• Identifying and avoiding “predatory publishers”
• Determining the right publication for your work

Presented by Margaret Vaverek, Service Engagement Librarian, University Libraries

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Everything you ever wanted to know — or didn't realize you needed to know — about the process of submitting an IRB Application at Texas State: how, what, where, when, and why does it take so long?

We are here to help graduate students, faculty supervising thesis or dissertations, and faculty or staff researchers understand the process from A to Z so you can submit well-prepared applications that get approved on the first review.

Presented by: Michelle Davis, Compliance Specialist, Research, Integrity, & Compliance
Breanna Moran, Compliance Specialist, Research, Integrity, & Compliance

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This virtual workshop will equip you with the communication tools you need to effectively engage with professors, peers, and advisors. Learn how to craft professional emails, navigate office hours with ease, and handle advisor relationships with confidence. We’ll also cover best practices for collaborating with classmates, ensuring you make a positive impression in all your academic interactions. Join us to sharpen your skills in professional communication and build the confidence to handle any situation that comes your way!

Presented by Ashley Carrington, Student Development Specialist II for Retention, The Graduate College

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Do you feel unproductive at times or believe you should be doing more? This presentation is focused on identifying the difference between healthy boredom and the concept of laziness. In our current fast-paced lives it is important that we don't evaluate ourselves by the completion of our task list. This discussion will help you develop a well-balanced understanding of your experience and utilize your strengths in keeping the mental engine running.

Presented by Dr. Nicole Adams, Psychologist, Counseling Center

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This workshop provides an introduction to methods and methodologies, particularly in the context of thesis and dissertation writing. Participants will learn how to identify a methodology and how methodology informs research writing as well as considerations for both qualitative and quantitative methods that are rigorous, reliable, and replicable. In addition, participants will learn about the role of a methods section in research writing and how to differentiate methods, results, and discussion sections.

Presented by Dr. Lauren Brentnell, Associate Director, University Writing Center

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Elevate your professional presence on LinkedIn with essential strategies. Discover how to craft a standout profile, strategically network, and unlock hidden opportunities in the job market. This Shop Talk session will provide actionable insights to help you navigate LinkedIn with confidence and maximize your career potential.

Presented by: Ross Wood, Associate Director of Career Education and Veteran Resources, Career Services

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the job search process for applicants and employers. Many organizations now use AI-supported tools, applicant tracking systems, and automated review processes to manage large pools of applications. At the same time, job seekers can use AI tools to prepare stronger, more targeted job-search materials. Because these changes have emerged quickly, graduate students need practical guidance for understanding how AI is shaping the hiring process and what that means for the materials they prepare.
In this workshop, you will learn how resumes, cover letters, and related application materials may be read by multiple audiences, including hiring managers, search committees, applicant tracking systems, and AI-supported screening tools. Specifically, it will focus on practical strategies for using AI to improve clarity, organization, audience alignment, and responsiveness to job descriptions while keeping your materials accurate, specific, and grounded in your own experience. We will also discuss how academic job searches differ from many other hiring contexts and how AI can support your preparation even when automated screening is not part of the review process. You will leave with a clearer understanding of how AI is shaping the hiring landscape, how to prepare job-search materials for human and AI-mediated review, and how to use AI tools as part of a thoughtful, strategic writing process.

Presented by Dr. Timothy Ponce, Assistant Professor of Technical Communication, English Department

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This Shop Talks session is designed for doctoral students seeking tenure-track and lecturer positions at four-year colleges and universities. It covers the entire interview process. Specifically, we will discuss what questions to expect during preliminary and on-campus interviews, how to interact with the interviewers before and after the interview, what to wear, how to avoid common mistakes in phone and Zoom Interviews, and how to prepare for different elements of an on-campus visit. (The negotiation of job offers will be covered in a separate session).

Presented by Dr. Andrea Golato, Dean, The Graduate College

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This Shop Talk introduces writers to graduate-level writing expectations. It addresses graduate-level research writing with a focus on the general structure of research-based assignments such as research proposals and research studies for comprehensive exams, theses, or dissertations. Attendees will learn about the parts of these documents, the logic behind how they are written, and how to assess samples of research writing for their strengths and weaknesses in meeting the expectations of the genre. Although writing up literature reviews, methods, results, and conclusions will be discussed, this Shop Talk will serve as a broad overview of the genre.

Presented by Dr. Sarah Hart Micke, Director, University Writing Center

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At this workshop, one of the librarians of research, will cover search tips that can help when searching library databases. No matter what discipline you’re in, these search tips will help you conduct more effective searches. The workshop will also cover related library services and resources, as well as citation management tools & software that you can consider incorporating into your research to help keep you organized.

Presented by Sam Marsh, Research Librarian, University Libraries

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Curious about AI use in the research process? This workshop introduces AI literacy concepts, strategies, and tools. Attendees will leave with an understanding of how they can use AI responsibly and save time during their next research project.

Presented by Audrey Stewart, Assistant Director of Information Literacy and Instruction, University Libraries &
Sam Marsh, Research Librarian, University Libraries