Each year, the Graduate Division Dean’s Office benefits from the hard work of graduate student researchers who support the Division's administrative operations as well as conduct studies that will benefit graduate students and postdocs at UCSF for years to come.
These students – drawn from PhD candidates in UCSF’s social science doctoral programs – also benefit from working in the Graduate Division. In addition to the financial benefits of the fellowship, they gain meaningful experience in university administration at a research-intensive institution, which helps prepare them for academic careers.
In the fall, we welcomed Alexzandria Simon and Geremy Lowe to our team. This month, they are joined by our newest Rosenberg-Hill Fellow: Abou Ibrahim-Biangoro.
Abou Ibrahim-Biangoro, MPH is a fourth-year doctoral candidate in the Sociology PhD program, working with faculty mentor Jennifer James, PhD. Abou’s hometown is Santa Clara, Calif. She received a bachelor’s degree (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) from UC Davis, as well as an MPH (Environmental Health Sciences) from UCLA.
In her research here at UCSF, Abou is looking at the mental health of second-generation West African immigrants (U.S.-born adults with at least one West African parent). “The goal of my research is to apply an African philosophical lens and understand its influence on how individuals relate to their Black identity in America, and if/how it affects their mental health. My aim is to utilize this research to improve healthcare for the Black immigrant population and change policies related to minority health and wellbeing.”
After graduate school, Abou hopes to continue conducting research. “I would ideally love to work at a think tank or media company that addresses research on Black and/or immigrant populations in the United States. I love storytelling, so I think combining that with research would be a great way to incorporate my Sociology degree into the workforce.”
As a Rosenberg-Hill Fellow, Abou is looking forward to working with the Graduate Division to improve and enhance the student experience here at UCSF. “There are many projects and initiatives that are in the works, and I am honored to be a part of the change. Student success and belonging are integral to the journey of becoming a scientist, and I hope that my skillset is utilized as an asset to make my fellow peers and myself successful in our careers and self-actualization.”
When not engaged in research or academics, you might find Abou baking, crocheting, gardening, or reading. “I enjoy working with my hands, so I am always working on some sort of edible or non-edible craft project as my stress release and art form.”
We’re excited to have Abou, Alexzandria, and Geremy as part of the Graduate Division team as we embark on a new calendar year and all the projects that await. “Their perspective as current students and as young social scientists and historians will be an asset as we work together in the months ahead,” remarked Dr. Nicquet Blake, Dean of the Graduate Division.
