By Dave DeFusco

In the high-tech labs of the Department of Applied Physical Sciences at UNC-Chapel Hill, some of the brightest minds are pursuing research that could transform industries and save lives. Beyond their scientific pursuits, they’re also cultivating an inclusive, supportive community through the Graduate Student Association (GSA).

At the helm of the GSA is Allen Wood, a third-year Ph.D. candidate working in Professor Jinsong Huang’s Group. Wood’s research focuses on enhancing radiation detectors with perovskite, a chemical compound that has revolutionized solar cell efficiency. His work has garnered significant recognition, including the Best Oral Presentation Award from the Consortium for Enabling Technologies and Innovation, yet his contributions extend beyond the lab. As GSA president, Wood advocates for his peers, ensuring their voices are heard at every level of the department.

“The GSA is committed to building the APS graduate student community through academic, professional and social activities,” said Wood. “We work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students and to foster professional relationships between students and faculty.”

As president, Wood acts as a crucial liaison between students and faculty. Regularly communicating with the department chair, directors of graduate studies, undergraduate labs and undergraduate studies, he represents the concerns of graduate students at faculty meetings and organizes events that enrich their academic and social experiences.

Maria Furukawa, the GSA’s vice president and a third-year Ph.D. student in the Dingemans Group, shares Wood’s passion for community building. Her research on liquid-crystal polymers aims to revolutionize membranes used in hemodialysis, offering hope to patients with late-stage renal failure. Furukawa emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where graduate students can connect beyond their research.

“Social gatherings are vital,” she said. “They allow us to meet people outside the lab and talk about our work and lives. It’s inspiring to hear about other people’s projects and learn about equipment or ideas that might spark something new in your own research.”

In addition to Furukawa and Wood, the GSA team includes Xiaoqiang Shi, treasurer; Quincy Snyder, GPSG representative; and Heidi Harkins, the group’s advisor and associate chair of operations and strategy. Together, they represent about 30 graduate students, planning events that span academic discussions, professional development and social outings.

Franklin Street, a vibrant hub in Chapel Hill, often serves as the setting for GSA-organized social events. Lined with coffee shops, bars, music venues and museums, it offers the perfect backdrop for students to unwind and connect. “The gatherings on Franklin Street provide a much-needed break from the intensity of research,” said Furukawa. “It’s a chance to recharge and meet others who share your passions but might be in a completely different lab.”

The GSA also organizes town halls, where students can voice concerns or ask questions about changes to the graduate program. These meetings have been instrumental in fostering collaboration between students and faculty. “We serve as the mediator,” said Furukawa. “It’s a vital role that ensures both sides are heard.”

For new students, the GSA plays a pivotal role in easing the transition into graduate life. From offering practical advice on bus routes and grocery stores to hosting welcome events, the organization helps newcomers feel at home. A first-floor break room in Kenan Laboratories—stocked with snacks and a coffee machine—has become a favorite spot for informal gatherings.

The GSA’s commitment extends beyond the university. Last year, the GSA participated in the North Carolina Science Festival, a monthlong celebration of science that aims to inspire the next generation of innovators. Through hands-on activities and educational events, GSA members helped demystify complex scientific concepts for the public.

“The educational, cultural and financial impact of science affects all North Carolinians,” said Wood. “We want to ensure that continues through future generations.”

For Wood, the GSA is about more than just events and meetings; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging in a challenging and competitive environment. As he enters the final years of his Ph.D., Wood reflects on the GSA’s core mission: to ensure that UNC remains an inclusive and welcoming place. Whether through groundbreaking research or community-building initiatives, the GSA is shaping a future where collaboration and innovation go hand in hand.

“Being local to North Carolina, I already had friends when I first arrived, but I didn’t know many people outside my cohort,” he said. “Joining the GSA has been transformative—it’s helped me build connections across the university.”

November 26, 2024