As one chapter ends, a new one begins.
That is the sentiment our graduates will share during the fall 2024 commencement. After numerous late-night study sessions, impactful projects and cherished campus memories, they are ready to turn the page to their next adventure.
On Dec. 14, the college will award degrees to 364 graduating students — 328 bachelor’s, 29 master’s and seven doctoral degrees.
With a world of possibilities ahead of them, these graduates carry the skills, knowledge and confidence gained at NC State into a new time of their lives, eager to leave their mark and build brighter tomorrows.
Meet three of our undergraduate and graduate students. Learn about their NC State experiences, their next steps and more.
Shima Hosseiniasab
Shima Hosseininasab interned at NC State University Libraries and presented at conferences on different topics, including monuments and digital humanities. She earned various grants, awards and honors, including the C. David Jackson Memorial Scholarship, the NC Museum Council Student Award, the PUSH Fellowship, and the Doctoral Dissertation Completion Grant.
Ph.D.: Public History
Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Advice to self at the start of the program: Focus on turning your work into publications early. Study, write and publish simultaneously. Develop the habit of refining coursework into publishable research to enhance your academic portfolio and career prospects.
Most impactful experiences at NC State: Gaining hands-on public history experience. As a graduate assistant at the Special Collections Research Center, I spent three years becoming proficient in archival principles, content development, exhibition curation, 3D printing and more. Also, the Ph.D. program in Public History allowed me to teach and work with talented undergraduates. All of these opportunities profoundly shaped my professional growth.
Fondest memory about your academic journey: I will always cherish the support and compassion of my advisor, committee members, faculty, program directors, coordinator and peers. At NC State, I felt supported and encouraged academically, professionally and personally. Special thanks to Drs. Tammy Gordon, Julia Rudolph, Brent Sirota, Alicia McGill, Nishani Fraizer, Burak Erdim and graduate coordinator Ingrid Hoffius. Also, my cohorts, Mandy Paige-Lovingood and Raiza Baez Calderon, made this long journey more joyful and memorable.
What’s next?: Before defending my dissertation, I secured a full-time role as the Instruction and Outreach Librarian for Special Collections at NC State University Libraries. It’s exciting to continue working on campus and engaging with faculty and students. I look forward to using my expertise to make an impact in the field of archives and special collections and contributing to the university community in this new capacity.
Matthew Junkroski
A staff writer at Technician, NC State’s student newspaper, Matthew Junkroski is also an English department ambassador and a CHASS advocate. While his main focus has been on reporting, he has also helped set up programs within CHASS.
Major: English with a Creative Writing concentration
Minor: Journalism
Hometown: Cary, North Carolina
Advice to my freshman self: Doing well isn’t about getting the best grades, but doing what you love. You don’t need to take on everything to make your resume look good, just what matters most to you. If you’re doing what you love, you’ll find work you’ll love. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. And for introverts, if you want to get to know professors talk to them before or after class.
Most impactful experiences at NC State: Definitely, my study abroad opportunity. I went to Prague in the summer of 2023 to learn about disinformation in journalism. Learning abroad helps to expose you to new things, not only cultures. I also was exposed to a different media landscape and had the chance to interact with journalists, which was what ultimately made me fall in love with journalism.
Fondest memory about your academic journey: Community is so incredibly important. Getting to know my professors and classmates was the best part of my academic journey. Asking for help can be very difficult, but the CHASS community is what made me who I am. I have many of my journalism professors’ lessons memorized, and my creative writing classmates have been instrumental in helping me form my voice in writing.
What’s next?: I’m planning on going straight into graduate school to learn more about journalism, or I’ll take a gap year and do some journalism around Raleigh. I’ll just have to see what happens!
Lily Palmer
A research assistant and undergraduate learning assistant in the Department of Psychology, Lily Palmer was also the lead student wellness coach, mental health ambassador, psychology club co-president and CHASS ambassador.
Majors: Psychology and Criminology
Minor: Statistics
Hometown: Reading, Pennsylvania
Advice to my freshman self: Savor every moment. Before the blink of an eye, I am already graduating and parting ways with so many people, organizations and roles that have made a profound impact on my life and personal development. It is so important to take a beat, slow down, and cherish the present moment, especially during those more difficult times throughout the college journey.
Most impactful experiences at NC State: My roles as a wellness coach and mental health ambassador have impacted me the most. Not only have I formed life-long friendships and professional relationships, but I have also gained valuable experience working directly with my peers supporting their well-being and decreasing mental health stigma on campus. I will forever be grateful for the connections I formed through coaching sessions and outreach events.
Fondest memory about your academic journey: My involvement in research with Dr. Kelly Lynn Mulvey in the Social Development Lab and Dr. Isaac Woods in the P.E.A.C.E. Lab have played crucial parts in my academic and personal development. Heading into post-graduation, I will take the skills, knowledge and lessons I have learned to my future endeavors and cherish the memories I share with my fellow lab members.
What’s next?: I am applying to graduate programs in clinical psychology, and this coming spring 2025, I will be interning with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. I will support the Center for Mental Health Services, specifically the divisions of Community Behavioral Health and Suicide Prevention and Community Supports.
