Fall Semester Pulse Check: Student Experiences Across Cohorts

The fall semester looks different at every stage of the PhD, but a common thread runs across cohorts: growing confidence, shifting priorities, and increasing independence.

First-year: Finding confidence in public-facing science
For Wyatt Slocum, a major milestone this fall was presenting his first graduate-level poster at the AU Graduate School Health Sciences Graduate Fair & Expo. Reflecting on the experience, he shared, “I’m proud to have presented my first graduate-level research poster during the fall semester. By the time the Expo arrived, I felt confident, and the presentation went smoothly.”

Second-year: Settling into a lab-first rhythm
As research responsibilities become more consistent, schedules often begin to revolve around experiments rather than coursework and classes. Noureen Khalil (Neuroscience) described this transition and the skill she developed the most: “The fall semester was when I truly settled into my day-to-day research responsibilities. The skill I grew the most was planning.”

Third-year: Comps and learning sustainable focus
For many students, third year can be a pressure test of endurance and time management. Kendyl Pennington (Neuroscience) reflected on the semester, noting, “The most intense part of fall semester was preparing for comps. The biggest lesson I learned was to take breaks. Sleep, family, and friends are the best medicine, and the only reason I’ve gotten this far.”

Fourth-year: Candidacy and independence
Reaching candidacy often brings clarity around direction and expectations. Francis Anazodo (Biochemistry & Cancer Biology) reflected on this shift in mindset: “Increased initiative and independence now define my expectations of myself. I approach my scientific work from two perspectives: as a trainee and as an independent investigator.”

Fifth-year: Preparing to defend the full story
For students nearing completion, the focus shifts towards synthesis- connecting results to foundational literature and shaping a cohesive, defensible narrative. Kirstyn Denney (Pharmacology) shared her current approach and advice: “Right now, I’m preparing for my dissertation and defense by revisiting the foundational literature,” and she encourages others to “remember to breathe and take time for yourself. You’re almost done.”

Together, these snapshots highlight how each year builds toward the next. One milestone, one shift in mindset, and one stronger sense of ownership at a time.