Meet Ashley Summers, a 2022-2023 Graduate Dean's Award recipient. Ashley is a doctoral student majoring in Materials Science.
What made you choose to pursue your graduate degree here at Kent State?
I was attracted to Kent State because of the flexible, interdisciplinary nature of the Materials Science program. The research being done at the AMLCI sounded very exciting, and when I visited the campus to learn more, I found that everyone was very welcoming and kind. The campus is beautiful and well-maintained. I wanted to become a part of it all!
What do you enjoy most about attending Kent State for graduate school?
I will be starting my graduate education this Fall of 2022, so I cannot say for sure - but I suspect that it will be the opportunity to work with and learn from so many brilliant and creative people.
What are your future goals?
My main goal is to learn as much as I can about everything that I can. I want to combine what I learn with my experiences from everywhere that I have been in life and use it all to contribute something meaningful. Besides my own personal aspirations, my goal is also to be a role model for my son and encourage him to pursue his own dreams.
What does this award mean to you and how will it aid you?
I feel very honored to have been nominated for the award, and it is encouraging to know the importance that Kent State places on diversity. It is another reason why I feel confident about my choice to come to Kent. The award money will help to support my family while I'm in graduate school.