Featured Graduate Student, May 2007
Saif Rayyan

Interview:

What is your primary motivation for persevering through graduate school?
The love of science and trying to understand the universe, and myself, better!

Do you think there is any value in social networking with other graduate students in non-related fields?
Definitely! I always say that even if you do not like a certain field you need to learn how to appreciate it! Having an open mind and learning about other’s experiences helps in many ways. It is also good to have a group of friends outside your field; it helps you take your mind off work better than if you always hang out with people you see at school or work everyday.

How do you think earning an advanced degree will change your role in society?
I have always wanted a career in academia. I see myself as a teacher, advisor and a researcher. That would be very different from what I would be doing without my graduate degree: probably working as an engineer in a private company.

Which field are you most happy that you did not enter?
Biology! It was the hardest subject I had to deal with in high school!

What is your favorite stress-reduction technique?
Cooking! I love to cook and sometimes when I feel overwhelmed I decide to take a break and try a new recipe!

Please describe your most meaningful academic relationship.
That would be my relationship with my advisor Tatsu Takeuchi. He is an amazing mentor and teacher. I learned a lot from him. He has an amazing ability to explain the most complicated concepts in easy to follow steps. His concern and continuous support has kept me going during rough times.

What do you feel is the greatest challenge that graduate students face and how have you dealt with this challenge?
I believe that the toughest part in finishing a graduate degree is to find the motivation and support. Graduate school needs a lot of time and patience, and if students do not feel motivated enough it can be hard to go through with it. I have always wanted to study advanced physics. I also had a lot of support from my friends and family. Having a support network is a must for any graduate student!

How has getting involved in campus or community activities shaped your graduate experience?
It helped me understand better what it means to be a graduate student; getting to know other students and professors, and learning from their experiences and thoughts. I think I’m better prepared for a career in the academic field, what I always wanted to do.

What is your favorite comfort food and why? How often do you consume it?
Stuffed grape leaves, the way my mom makes it not the stuff you buy from a can! I do not have it as much as I want but I had it recently when I was invited to a friend’s house.

If you hadn’t been admitted to graduate school, what do you think you would be doing right now?
I would have probably kept trying to get into graduate school! If it did not work I would probably be working in the electrical engineering field.

View previous Featured Graduate Student interviews >>

Would you like to nominate a student to be featured?
Currently enrolled VT graduate students can be nominated for a variety of reasons -- academic or personal accomplishments, service to the department or the university community, or any other reason that makes them a unique and valuable member of academe. Students, faculty, or staff can submit nominations by completing a short nomination form.