Graduate Division Dean's Update: 2/18/26

Dear Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars,

I did not intend to own a reptile.

Recently, my eleven-year-old daughter informed me that she wanted a gecko. At first it was a leopard gecko, which eats live mealworms. I declined immediately because I have no desire to store insects in my refrigerator. That feels less like pet ownership and more like operating a small agricultural supply chain out of my crisper drawer.

She pivoted.
Crested geckos, she explained, eat a powdered paste you mix with water. Or crickets. I still said no.

Then she created four separate PowerPoint presentations.

Four.
She’s eleven.

One included research. One included cost projections. One included a breakdown of habitat requirements. My personal favorite slide explained that geckos can become startled and drop their tails. Therefore, yelling in front of the gecko would be irresponsible parenting.

It was, frankly, airtight.

So, she purchased Beans, the crested gecko, with her own money. A significant amount of money later, Beans now resides in a large terrarium featuring vines, logs, decorative foliage, and tiny detritus-eating insects that apparently are “essential to the ecosystem.” We now maintain an ecosystem.

My daughter lives with me 50% of the time. I will let you infer who manages the ecosystem the other 50%.

And yet — I have become unexpectedly charmed.

Beans has what I call silly-string toes: flexible, delicate, slightly improbable. When you hold her, she seems calm and contemplative. Then, without warning, she launches herself two feet through the air. A super surprise jumper. It keeps you humble.

Here are a few things I’ve learned:

Geckos climb glass not because of suction, but because of millions of microscopic hairs on their toes. Not one dramatic adhesive act — just tiny structures working together.

They shed their skin regularly. They literally outgrow themselves.
If threatened, some species can drop their tails and regrow them. Dramatic, yes. Also strategic.

They are cold-blooded. They rely on their environment for warmth. They cannot generate it alone.

I will not overextend the metaphor. But I will, briefly, apply it. I do, after all, have skills.

Graduate school can feel like being a small reptile in a very large terrarium.
You climb because of countless small, consistent efforts. Not one heroic leap, but steady contact.

You outgrow versions of yourself. Sometimes awkwardly.

Sometimes you have to let something go to move forward. (Ideally not an actual limb.)

And none of us generate all our own warmth. We rely on labs, studios, cohorts, mentors — the environments that help regulate the temperature when things feel cold.

Also, geckos blink by licking their own eyeballs. This is real. Evolution is bold.

So, wherever you are this week — grading, coding, rehearsing, drafting, revising, applying — keep placing the tiny hairs on the glass. Small, steady contact points.

If you need warmth, seek it. The GPSRC exists for exactly that reason.
One final detail: crested geckos can live up to twenty years. My daughter is eleven. In seven years, she will leave for college. Dorms famously do not allow reptiles.

It appears that I have entered a long-term cohabitation agreement with Beans.
We are all making choices.

Wishing you steady footing and secure tail attachments.

Upcoming office hours for the next two weeks are listed below. They are first come, first serve:  https://uci.zoom.us/j/7277477
 
Friday, February 26 – 2 PM PT
Monday, March 2 – 11 AM PT
 
Shape the Future of Wellness at UCI!
The Student Wellness & Health Promotion Center invites you to participate in a Focus Group Discussion regarding an upcoming campus wellness project. We want your honest feedback to help us build a space that truly benefits the Anteater community.
 
Topic: New Wellness Support Initiative
Perks: Light refreshments & a Wellness Tote Bag for all participants.
Time Commitment: 1 Hour
 
Upcoming Session: Grad Students: Tuesday, Feb 24 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
 
Sign up here to reserve your spot: https://forms.gle/5vusrAVjtWPdst2B7
 
Summer quantitative methods training
UC Irvine is an institutional member of ICPSR. ICPSR offers a summer program to work on statistics, quantitative methods, and data analysis. Workshops are held in person in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan, but also synchronously or asynchronously online. The workshops are attended by graduate students and postdocs from around the world.
 
If you are interested in participating in any of the courses, ICPSR has a scholarship deadline of March 1. Registration for workshops / courses is open now.
 
Please reach out to campus ICPSR representative and Graduate Division liaison for UC Irvine Libraries, Melissa Beuoy (melissa.beuoy@uci.edu), for more information. She has attended the summer program in person and is happy to answer questions about the in-person vs online experience.
 
Graduate TA Training for Upper-Division Writing
Hope to TA for a Writing (W) course? Generally want to learn how to teach writing while you hone your own skills? This Spring 2026 training requires two hours a week of in-person meetings, a consultation with trainers, and one class observation if you are teaching concurrently. In addition to reading foundational materials in Writing in the Disciplines (or WID), graduate students will create a portfolio that equips them for the responsibility of teaching writing in their disciplines and beyond. This portfolio will primarily include accurate and manageable student learning outcomes, an in-class, writing-to-learn activity, a larger signature writing assignment, a peer response activity, and an assessment tool (such as a rubric) for giving instructor feedback on student writing. Fridays 3-5 PM. If you are interested, please register HERE. If you have questions, please feel free to email Patrick Bonczyk (pbonczyk@uci.edu).
 
Apply to Comscicon 2026 in Bordeaux, France
July 7 -10
Click here for more information
ComSciCon provides graduate student attendees with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to meet early career leaders in Science Communication, learn from and interact with a remarkable group of invited experts, and produce original work communicating complex technical concepts from science and engineering to a new audience.
 
At ComSciCon’s Flagship Workshop, participants build communication skills that scientists and other technical professionals need to express ideas to their peers, experts in other fields, and the general public. Click here or the link above for more information.
 
Iris Booth Career Scholarship
Take the next step in your professional journey with the Iris Booth Career Scholarship. You could win a $2,500 scholarship toward your career goals!
 
To enter, visit the Division of Career Pathways and snap a polished, professional headshot in our Iris Booth to elevate your online presence with high‑quality, studio‑style photos perfect for resumes, LinkedIn, and more.
 
Deadline: April 29, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
Learn more How to Enter and Eligibility: Iris Booth Career Scholarship | irisbooth.com
  
Professional Development Resource: Nature Masterclasses On-Demand
UC Irvine Graduate Division, in partnership with GPS-STEM, the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, and the School of Medicine, now offers graduate students and postdocs free access to Nature Masterclasses On-Demand. These online courses, designed by Springer Nature experts, will help you sharpen your research, writing, and publishing skills.
💡 Courses cover topics such as choosing the right journal, persuasive grant writing, research integrity, and more. Certificates are available upon completion.
 
👉 Explore Nature Masterclasses by clicking here
 
Become a Mentor with UC Irvine’s Next Gen Pathways Program
Want to support incoming grad students while building your own leadership skills? The Next Gen Pathways mentoring initiative is still recruiting mentors for the 2025–26 academic year.
This peer mentorship program connects experienced UC Irvine graduate students with new students navigating the transition into grad school—especially those who are first-gen, international, parenting, or facing hidden challenges. Mentors help with everything from research and time management to navigating campus life and offering encouragement.
 
✅ Flexible time commitment
✅ Matching based on shared experiences
✅ Self-paced training (~60 min)
✅ Mentorship experience for your CV
 
🔹 Register to mentor: uci.mentorcollective.org/register/uci-grad/mentor
🔹 Learn more: grad.uci.edu/next-gen-pathways
Your experience can make a real difference.
 
Division of Career Pathways Resources
Not sure what life after your Master’s degree or PhD looks like or have questions about your next career steps?
 
Book a 45-minute 1:1 session with the Division of Career Pathways team for personalized support—including career exploration, job or internship search strategies, resume/CV reviews, mock interviews, and more. Whether you’re considering further education, an academic path, or jumping into industry, we’re here to help you navigate your journey.

About our team: Dr. Jill Wells, Associate Director of Career Education, has over 25 years of experience in teaching and leadership, working with students of all ages. Before UCI, she supported graduate students and postdocs at Caltech and advised business students at USC, where she earned a dual doctorate in education and an MBA. She is eager to support graduate students at every stage of their academic and professional development. Maks Giljen, a 4th-year PhD student in clinical psychology, is a Graduate Student Peer Career Educator and passionate about guiding fellow grad students in their career planning.
 
Let’s connect and get you on the right track! Appointments can be booked here: https://app.joinhandshake.com/appointments
 
Take Advantage of Division of Career Pathways’ Professional Photo Booth
The Division of Career Pathways (DCP) is pleased to introduce our all-new Professional Photo Booth, a complimentary, walk-in service at the Division of Career Pathways offering FREE professional headshots for UCI students, staff, and faculty. These professional headshots are perfect for your LinkedIn/ Handshake/ Zoom profile, department website, and also works for UCI Digital ID photo requirements. 
 
Wellness and Inclusion Services
We know that getting through graduate school takes a lot of effort, so we provide support to our students along the way. Many of Graduate Division’s services can help you maintain your work/life balance. At UC Irvine, we believe that healthy Anteaters are productive Anteaters, which is why UCI Graduate Division has our counselors available for any student or postdoc who feels they need to talk with someone.
 
Services Offered: Academic support; Equity and inclusion support; Time management strategies; Tools to master effective communication skills; Strategies for navigating professional and academic expectations in graduate school; Referrals to campus services
 
Please reach out to Dr. Phong Luong (pbluong@uci.edu) directly to schedule an appointment.
  
Helpful Resources Provided by UC Irvine Libraries
Here are a few helpful links below provided by the UC Irvine Libraries. UC Irvine Libraries developed a guide to help new scholars navigate the realm of scholarship.
 
Graduate Student Research Support Guide

Digital Scholarship Services (DSS) Main Site

  • https://www.lib.uci.edu/dss
  • This site provides an overview of UC Irvine Libraries’ digital scholarship services with contact information, workshop details, and other tools and resources

DSS Programming Workshops

LibGuide on Software for Data Analysis (by Danielle Kane, Computational Research Librarian):  https://guides.lib.uci.edu/dataanalysis
Links to her other Libguides (GIS, Data Visualization):  https://guides.lib.uci.edu/prf.php?id=5952d46c-7cdb-11ed-9922-0ad758b798c3
 
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 
 
School Nominated Fellowships – Must be nominated by your school

Faculty Mentor Program Fellowship (FMP)
The FMP Fellowship is designed to increase the number of students who complete their Ph.D. degree and successfully acquire a faculty appointment. Fellows are expected to participate in meaningful research and, eventually, developing an independent project.

  • The application deadline is April 1, 2026 by 5:00pm PST
  • Schools are invited to submit up to two nominations
  • The total award package this year is $57,500 to be distributed during the 2026-27 AY, Oct through June 

President’s Dissertation Year Fellowship (PDY)
The PDY Fellowship is intended for students in their final year of graduate study, who are planning to pursue teaching and research appointments soon after their dissertation fellowship year. This award assists graduate students with the completion of their dissertation and enhances their qualifications as candidates for university faculty teaching and research appointments by providing professional opportunities needed to successfully obtain a faculty appointment.

  • The application deadline is April 1, 2026 by 5:00pm PST
  • Schools are invited to submit up to two nominations
  • The total award package this year is $57,500 to be distributed during the 2026-27 AY, Oct through June

Graduate Dean’s Dissertation Fellowship (GDDF)
The UCI Graduate Division is pleased to announce a fellowship for students nearing completion of their dissertations/thesis. The Graduate Dean’s Dissertation Fellowship, GDDF, aims to increase dissertation and thesis completion amongst doctoral and MFA students. This award is intended for students in their final year of graduate study who have a realistic expectation of degree completion during the 2025-2026 academic year. The award will allow students to forgo their non-research related employment obligations to concentrate on completing their degree.

  • The application deadline is April 1, 2026 by 5:00pm PST
  • The award consists of a $5,000 stipend for Summer 2026
  • Schools are invited to submit up to three nominations

Students Apply Directly

Dean’s Leadership Council – Community Impact Fellowship
The Community Impact Fellowship highlights and supports doctoral and MFA students whose current research shows substantial impact in the immediate vicinity of Orange County

  • The application deadline is March 4, 2026 by 5:00pm PST
  • Two awards in the amount of $1,000 will be made

Katherine and Robert Phalen Endowment
The Katherine and Robert Phalen Endowment is intended to highlight and support doctoral students whose current laboratory research shows future promise for preventing, treating, or understanding human disease.

  • The application deadline is March 4, 2026 by 5:00pm PST
  • One $3,000 award and two $500 honorable mention awards for Spring or Summer quarter

Waffarn Family Maternal Child Health Endowment
The Waffarn Family Maternal Child Health Endowment provides financial support for doctoral research on maternal, fetal, and pediatric health. It offers support to Ph.D. students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements and career goals in the above areas.

  • The application deadline is March 4, 2026 by 5:00pm PST
  • One $5,000 award to be used as a stipend for Spring or Summer quarter.

Tom Angell Fellowship
This fellowship is intended to honor Tom Angell’s contributions as our Graduate Counselor to graduate student wellness and retention. The award is open to graduate students, faculty, and postdoctoral scholars.

  • The application deadline is March 4, 2026 by 5:00pm PST
  • One $500 fellowship award will be made to one graduate student; one $500 award will be made to one faculty member; and one $500 award will be made to one postdoctoral scholar. The faculty award must be used as a fellowship to a student of the faculty’s choice.

Graduate Scholar Success Fund
The Graduate Scholar Success Fund was established with the goal of supporting first-generation students who are facing urgent financial need. This emergency funding aims to reduce financial stress and foster success amongst first-generation students at UC Irvine.

  • Fellowship awards consist of a $1,000 stipend and are intended for situations where the funds are intended for immediate use (current quarter).
  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the winter quarter

Tyler’s Tribe Foundation Endowment for ALS Research
The Tyler’s Tribe Foundation Endowment for ALS Research, supported by the Tyler’s Tribe Foundation, provides fellowship awards to graduate students conducting research on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This includes work on treatment, diagnosis, prevention, medical device innovation, and improving end-of-life care. As neurodegenerative diseases like ALS continue to rise, the fellowship helps support the next generation of researchers committed to advancing care and accelerating breakthroughs for those affected by this devastating condition.

  • Students may submit an application by March 4, 2026 by 5:00pm PST
  • One fellow will be selected to receive a $1,000 stipend each to be used during Spring or Summer quarter

Dean’s Recent Alumni Fellowship
This fellowship aims at easing the transition from graduate school into full-time careers either in academia or other industries. While the fellowship is unpaid, a recipient of this fellowship will receive access to resources that will pay immense dividends going forward and was developed in consultation with young professionals and alumni to provide resources they wished they had access to while in graduate school. Click above for more information and to apply.

  • Deadline: Rolling

More information regarding funding opportunities is located on the Graduate Division Fellowships page and the 2025-26 Funding Timeline.
 
External Funding Opportunities

ETS Scholarship Opportunities Available:
 
Lenora M. Green Scholarship
• Who it supports: A graduate student demonstrating outstanding commitment to civic engagement and advocacy for individuals who have been systematically excluded
• Award amount: $20,000
• Apply at: Lenora M. Green Scholarship
 
Robert “Bob” Moses Scholarship
• Who it supports: A graduate student from an underrepresented group pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in mathematics education or a STEM discipline
• Award amount: $20,000
• Apply at: Robert Moses Scholarship
 
Dr. Lillian M. Lowery Scholarship
• Who it supports: A student pursuing a master’s degree in education who embodies a strong commitment to expanding opportunities for all students
• Award amount: $20,000
• Apply at: Lillian M. Lowery Scholarship
 
ETS Presidential Scholarship for HBCU Students
• Who it supports: Eight outstanding juniors and seniors attending a public or private Historically Black College or University (HBCU)
• Award amount: $15,000
• Apply at: HBCU Scholarship
More information regarding funding opportunities is located on the Graduate Division Fellowships page and the 2025-26 Funding Timeline.


All the best,

Jaymi Lee Smith
Interim Vice Provost for Graduate Education
Interim Dean of the Graduate Division