The University of Delaware Graduate College, established in 2019, held its third convocation on May 21 in Mitchell Hall. This event brought together faculty, staff, students, family and friends to celebrate the achievements of 28 graduate students. For the first time, graduate degrees were awarded across all seven interdisciplinary programs offered by the college, some of which were introduced as recently as 2023.

Keynote Speaker

Tom Powers, associate professor in the Department of Philosophy and the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration and founding director of the UD’s Center for Science, Ethics and Public Policy (CSEPP), served as the keynote speaker for the event. He drew upon debates among rationalist philosophers like René Descartes, empiricists such as John Locke and David Hume and constructivist Immanuel Kant to encourage the graduates to push the boundaries of their fields when facing new and challenging problems.

He said, “When your model of the world appears irretrievably skewed by the data you have — when your observations of the heavens do not align with the belief that everything revolves around you — be ready to discard that model. When confronted with a seemingly unsolvable problem, delve deeper into the assumptions behind your most cherished theories.”

Powers emphasized the importance of rethinking models and assumptions, as well as building connections with professional friends, mentors and colleagues, because the 2025 graduates will face pressing global issues. “You enter a world that needs you; there are uncomfortable truths around every corner. Big questions call out for you to help provide answers — questions about climate, pollution, peace, security and democracy. Questions about free speech and free inquiry — about the kinds of inquiry that can improve lives. Your accomplishments here at UD have prepared you. Extend yourselves into a world that awaits.”

Diploma Presentations

In his introduction to the diploma presentations, Louis Rossi, dean of the Graduate College, also emphasized how the graduates’ education has prepared them to meet the challenges ahead. He compared the journey of graduate education to the Lewis and Clark expedition, which traveled from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean and back between 1804 and 1806. Rossi discussed the challenges Lewis and Clark encountered and emphasized that these explorers, just like UD’s graduate students, were pushed to the utmost limits of performance.

“Learning new things. Building new relationships. Working in teams. Managing resources. Traveling — sometimes to distant places. Spending many years of your youth being challenged and tested to your limits. If you leave out crossing the Rockies in leather hobnailed boots and having to barter for horses, their journey of discovery might feel a little like what you had to do to earn a graduate degree,” he said.

Water Science and Policy

Gerald Kauffman, associate professor in the Biden School and interim director of the water science and policy program, highlighted the program as the oldest interdisciplinary graduate degree administered by the Graduate College. He noted that nearly four dozen doctorates and master’s degrees have been awarded in the decade since they were established. Kauffman emphasized both the importance of water in society and the successful careers of program graduates in various sectors, including climate science, drought management and water treatment.

He presented a master’s degree to Carl Nelson-Poteet, who also received the William J. Benton Graduate Student Award from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Data Science

Toby Driscoll, Unidel Professor of Mathematical Sciences and director of the interdisciplinary data science program, told the audience that UD's data science program, which began in 2018, offers interdisciplinary coursework from seven colleges, focusing on both technical and ethical issues. The program boasts 86 alumni who have secured positions at prominent companies.

Benjamin Bagozzi, former assistant director for the program and associate professor of political science and international relations, presented 15 master’s degrees to: Eli Brignac, Komali Challa, Kunal Gugale, Sai Prashanthi Gumpli, Pranav Reddy Gunda, Pranav Kamath, Dhana Lakshmi Kankanala, Harshitha Lavu, Yamini Pravallika Medapati, M. V. Murali Krishna Nagulla, Thushara Namath, Anirudh Naredla, Aanish Paruchuri, Asritha Polu and Ryan Wolynetz.

Microbiology

Program director Clara Chan, professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, celebrated the newest graduates of the microbiology program. She described the breadth of the program's interdisciplinary nature, spanning 11 departments across five colleges. She underscored the importance of studying microorganisms for human health, environmental benefits, food security and innovative material recycling.

Nicole Donofrio, the program’s associate director and professor of pathology, presented degrees to the program’s first doctoral graduates, Rene Hoover and Gracee Tothero. A master’s degree was awarded to Alexandra Pipinos.

Interdisciplinary Neuroscience

Ho Ming Chow, associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and associate director of the interdisciplinary neuroscience program, expressed pride in the program’s collaborations across numerous fields, including biology, psychology and engineering. He encouraged the program’s graduates to continue in their tenacious pursuit of scientific advancement.

Amy Griffith, associate professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, presented doctoral degrees to Mohamed Khalife, Su Hyeong Kim, Elise Lemanski and Jung-Mei Tsai.

Education and Social Policy

Program director Laura Desimone, the L. Sandra and Bruce L. Hammonds Professor in Teacher Education, emphasized the importance of rigorous research in shaping education and social policy to improve lives. She noted the program's recent inception in 2022 and its current cohort of 11 doctoral students, with one more joining in fall 2025.

The program’s associate director, Sarah Bruch, an associate professor in the Biden School and Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, presented the program’s first doctoral degree to Hojung Lee and a master’s degree to John Oluwadero, who will continue in the program to work toward a doctoral degree.

Interdisciplinary Evaluation Science

Sue Giancola celebrated the program’s presence at the convocation for the second time since its inception in 2023. She recognized the graduation of the program's first master’s students and the awarding of 13 graduate certificates in program evaluation. She emphasized the importance of evidence-based decisions in today's climate and commended the graduates for their commitment to improving programs and policies globally.

Laura Desimone presented master’s degrees in evaluation science to Jill Bathon, Lauren Camphausen and Jess David Morgado.

Quantum Science and Engineering

Program director Matt Doty, a professor of materials science and engineering, physics, and electrical and computer engineering, discussed the significance of quantum mechanics. He highlighted the "First Quantum Revolution" and the ongoing "Second Quantum Revolution," which are driving advancements in computing, communication and sensing technologies. He emphasized the rapid growth and investment in the quantum technology industry and UD’s role in preparing a skilled workforce through its interdisciplinary graduate program.

Doty presented master’s degrees in quantum science and engineering to Radheya Sham Sarode and Afam Madu.

Dean Rossi concluded the ceremony by extending the Graduate College’s heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and wishing them success for the good of all, saying, “We are counting on you to lead our community, our nation and our world to a brighter future.”

The Graduate College offers seven interdisciplinary graduate degree programs. Learn more about these degrees, as well as certificate options, at www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/grad/prospective-students/programs/interdisciplinary.