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The University of Chicago is at the forefront of a movement to provide academic and professional support to complement the academic rigor and excellence that are the hallmarks of UChicago graduate education.
UChicagoGRAD offers a range of services and resources to enhance the ability of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to navigate their careers at UChicago and beyond.
UChicagoGRAD is a national model for supporting graduate students and postdocs thanks to pioneering, tailored initiatives ranging from training in writing and public speaking to career exploration treks, internships, employer recruitment fairs, and alumni networking events. With opportunities like these, UChicagoGRAD is building pipelines to help graduate students and postdocs convey the invaluable forms of knowledge that research universities produce to where they are most needed in society.
UChicagoGRAD presents departmental “roadshows” to inform faculty, students, and postdocs about available services. To request a UChicagoGRAD staff presentation customized for your department please complete this form.
970 EAST 58TH STREET | THIRD FLOOR | CHICAGO, IL 60637

HIGHLIGHTS
- UChicagoGRAD is a one-stop shop of integrated services to help graduate students and postdocs navigate their academic and professional careers. Download an overview of our office here.
- Led by Jason Merchant, Vice Provost, UChicagoGRAD programs provide flexible training that complements support in academic units.
- UChicagoGRAD staff are committed to serving the graduate and postdoc community, focusing on recruitment; skills and experience; career development; and alumni engagement.
Meet the Team
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Jason Merchant
Vice Provost; UChicagoGRAD Faculty Director
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Beth Niestat
Assistant Provost & Executive Director, UChicagoGRAD Administration & Policy
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Brooke Noonan
Assistant Provost & Executive Director, UChicagoGRAD Experience
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Monica Barry
Assistant Director, GRAD Employer Relations
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Holly Bland
Director, GRAD Enrollment
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Steffen Blings
Assistant Director, Graduate Career Development
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Kevin Bryant
Manager, Graduate Student Lounge
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Joseph Butler
Diversity Outreach Coordinator
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Josephine Cai
Director, International Student Initiatives
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Brian Campbell
Assistant Director, GRADTalk
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Kevin Doherty
Director, Fellowships and Writing
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Liz Fox Haslwanter
Director, Graduate Administrative Services
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Nathan Hardy
Assistant Director, Graduate Career Development
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Alexander (Alex) Hill
Program Coordinator, Graduate Admissions
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Martha Jackson
Director, GRAD Operations
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Sandra Jackson
Operations Manager
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Zarinah James
Associate Director, GRAD Enrollment
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Anne Janusch
Coordinator, Fellowships & Writing
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Kathrin Kranz
Director, Experiential Education and Outreach
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Maggie Kurkoski
Assistant Director of Fellowships
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Lizette Medrano
Administrative Coordinator, Grad Administrative Services.
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Lizanne Phalen
Director, Family Resource Center
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Amy Rapp
Assistant Director, GRAD Career Development
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Lauren Schachter
Manager, UChicagoGRAD Communications
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Michael Tessel
Senior Director of Professional Development
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Trenity Tigner
Associate Director, Operations
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Traci Verleyen Hope
Assistant Director, Graduate Administrative Services
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Courtney Wiersema
Director, Graduate Career Development
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Amanda Young
Associate Director, Graduate Student Affairs