Student Spotlight

• F1 International Student
• PhD in Electrical Engineering
• From Esfahan, Iran
• Class of 2026

I will especially miss spending time at UREC, where my friends and I often played volleyball and created many great memories together. Beyond those moments, my education at UNC Charlotte strengthened my technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and confidence, all of which have contributed greatly to my academic and professional success.

A special thank you to Dr. Dipankar Maity for his invaluable guidance, encouragement, and mentorship throughout my Ph.D. journey. His support played a significant role in my academic and professional success.

• F1 International Student
• Master’s in Cognitive Psychology
• From Ogun state, Nigeria
• Class of 2026

What I’ll miss most about UNC Charlotte is the people. Throughout my time here, I have built so many meaningful friendships, found incredible mentors, and developed a support system that truly became my second family. These are relationships that I know will last well beyond graduation. Looking back, it’s the people who made UNC Charlotte feel like home. They celebrated my successes, encouraged me through challenges, and believed in me every step of the way. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without them. My education gave me the knowledge and skills to grow academically and professionally, but it was the people and community at UNC Charlotte that shaped me into the person I am today and gave me the confidence to pursue my next chapter—a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

“A very special shout-out to Vivian Klentos, a former International Student Advisor. Vivian was the biggest cheerleader for every student she advised. To me, she was like a big sister. When I transferred to UNC Charlotte in 2021, she helped me navigate college life and made what could have been a very overwhelming transition feel manageable. She introduced me to my first group of college friends, connected me with opportunities on campus, and helped me find my place within the Charlotte community. I truly don’t think my college experience would have been the same without her support.”

“A thunderous shout-out to Dr. Kim Buch, my mentor and biggest advocate. When I transferred to UNC Charlotte in 2021, I took her class, and it completely changed the direction of my life. That class helped me discover what I truly wanted to pursue as a career and gave me the confidence to chase it. Since then, Dr. Buch has supported me through every stage of my journey. She has celebrated every success, encouraged me through every challenge, opened doors I didn’t know existed, and continuously believed in me, even when I doubted myself. She has been at the forefront of so many opportunities that have shaped who I am today, and I honestly would not be where I am without her mentorship and unwavering support.”

• F1 International Student
• Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation
• From Zhuhai, China
• Class of 2025

My experience at UNC Charlotte was instrumental in shaping my success as a researcher. The amazing faculty in my program provided exceptional guidance and mentorship, which, along with the many opportunities at UNC Charlotte, helped me grow into a confident researcher. I am now deeply committed to serving underrepresented students and promoting student success through evidence-based research. Additionally, the ISSO staff were incredibly supportive, always providing clear and timely guidance on my travel and OPT-related questions, which made navigating those processes much smoother.

I’ll really miss the graduate study room on the library’s ground floor—it offers an incredible view of the campus, no matter the season.

A big shout out to Professor Dika, who truly sparked my passion for educational research!

• F1 International Student
• PhD in Chemisty and Nanoscale Science
• From Bangladesh, Kishoregonj, Dhaka
• Class of 2027

I’m going to miss the vibrant community at UNC Charlotte, especially the friendships I’ve built with my lab members and our shared passion for discovery. Burson (Chemistry Building) is filled with cherished memories—late hours tackling projects, engaging discussions with Lab members, and those illuminating moments during research. The collaborative spirit and unwavering support from the faculty have been crucial in shaping my education and motivating me to excel. This experience has not only deepened my understanding of Chemistry but has also equipped me with the skills and confidence to pursue my goals. I’m truly grateful for every moment spent here at UNC Charlotte and the lifelong connections I’ve made along the way.

A heartfelt thanks to my PhD supervisor, Dr. Michael G. Walter, for being an incredible mentor. His encouragement and inspiration have truly ignited my interest in illicit drug detection and photo-chemical sensing in Chemistry. His unwavering support has made all the difference in my research journey. I look forward to continuing this path, fueled by his guidance and expertise. Thank you for everything!

• F1 International Student
• PhD in Mechanical Engineering
• Measurement Engineer with the Boeing Company
• From Tahanoub, Egypt
• Class of 2025

I will definitely miss the great environment I have here with all my colleagues and professors, and how everyone here taught me to be helpful and have a significant positive effect everywhere I go. The Center for Precision Metrology (CPM) AT UNC Charlotte affiliates with several huge companies in my field of study. This was the main reason I could have this connection with the Boeing Company through my research.

Huge thanks to the Center for Precision Metrology, it’s faculty, affiliates and students.