Doctoral Candidates Recognized at Graduate School Ceremony
| Oct. 1, 2015 | Twenty-seven doctoral candidates donned laboratory coats that symbolize the next step of their studies on Sept. 28 during the UAMS Graduate School’s Research Induction Ceremony.
Robert McGehee, Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School, congratulates the doctoral candidates for passing their qualifying exams.
Approximately 200 friends, family and faculty watched as students pursuing their Doctor of Philosophy degrees were formally recognized as Ph.D. candidates. Before such recognition can occur, the students must pass the Ph.D. qualifying exam, which also marks their transition between being primarily focused on coursework to beginning dissertation research.
“The ceremony is a celebration of our doctoral candidates’ passing the qualifying exam, which is a major milestone in their studies,” said Robert McGehee, Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School. “It also is a celebration of our program directors and our fantastic graduate faculty who have aided our students on their educational journey.”
The students are pursuing programs that include biochemistry and molecular biology, pharmacology and communication sciences and disorders.
Paul A. Parcon (center) shakes hands with his mentor, W. Sue T. Griffin, Ph.D., as William Wessinger, Ph.D., looks on.
The students shared the stage with their program director and their chosen mentor, who will guide them throughout their careers.
McGehee pointed to his mentor, UAMS Vice Chancellor for Research Lawrence Cornett, Ph.D., as he stressed the importance of the mentor/mentee relationship.
“The advisor/student relationship has a better future than most marriages,” McGehee said with a chuckle, adding, “It lasts forever.”
Following the laboratory coats presentation, the doctoral candidates, as well as other faculty and students, recited the “Affirmation of Scientists,” in which they pledged to conduct themselves as scientists with honor and integrity.