Extended hours (Spring Quarter 2023): Thursdays, open until 11 p.m.
University of Chicago Bookstore Building
970 East 58th Street, Room 401
Chicago, Illinois 60637 GradLounge@uchicago.edu
(773) 834-2093
The Graduate Student Lounge is home base for UChicago’s graduate student population. Located on the fourth floor of the UChicago Bookstore, The Lounge is a space where graduate students from across programs can drop in for individual study, small-group collaboration, and socializing.
In addition to two reservable meeting spaces, we feature a quiet space, kitchenette with daily refrigeration service, free daily locker rentals, coffee, tea, and light snacks. We also house the offices of the Diversity Advisory Board and the Graduate Student Council.
The Graduate Student Lounge is managed by Kevin Bryant and supported by a team of Graduate Service Specialists, who serve as resources for campus information and services.
Reflections from Graduating Grads: What did you study? What’s next?
Piyush Kontu Master of Science, FinMath
What did you study?
I was in the Financial Mathematics Master of Science in the Mathematics Department. I thoroughly enjoyed the program, and some of my fondest memories were in the fall 2021 quarter when the program held its pre-course-work programs to get us prepared for the interviews and summer internships.
What are some favorite memories/lessons/experiences from your time here?
Some of my favorite classes were to attend Options Theory by Prof. Roger Lee, Portfolio Theory by Prof. Mark Hendricks, and Python Programming by Prof. Sebastian Donadio.
The dedication and support we received from our Career Services and program director were unmatched. It got me really comfortable in returning to academia after five years. Our Academic Services teams here were always supportive and looked after us in every way possible.
What will you be doing next?
After graduating last year, I joined State Street, one of the world’s largest asset managers, as an assistant vice president for quantitative research. I’ll primarily be working in investment research in the ESG space and contributing toward research papers and indicators.
Devika Lakhote Ph.D., Public Policy Studies
I received my PhD in Public Policy Studies from the Harris School of Public Policy. I studied the effects of large infrastructure investments on targeted populations in India. I met some incredibly kind and smart peers during my 5 years at the University of Chicago who helped me through difficult times of graduate school (especially during the pandemic). I learned that no matter where you are or what you do, it is very important to build a strong community of supportive friends and colleagues.
After graduation, I will be joining the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) as a Data Scientist. I will use econmetrics and machine learning methods to evaluate the true impact of policies and programs in developing countries.
Charlotte Long Master of Divinity
What did you study?
I am currently receiving my Master of Divinity. I focused on gender in Christianity, with a particular interest in women’s leadership roles, both historically at pivotal moments in Christianity, but also how/if women’s leadership transforms or mitigates modern religious movements.
What are some favorite memories/lessons/experiences from your time here?
I got so much done while I was here, it is hard to choose a favorite. My fieldwork year was done at Bethany House of Hospitality, an apartment building and safehouse for young women who have just arrived as refugees or migrants. It was an incredibly humbling and powerful year and clarified how local social workers and organizers are at the heart of keeping refugees safe. My chaplaincy unit at Rush Hospital was also a transformative time that really strengthened my pastoral skills and confidence in interpersonal work. MDiv banquets were always a hilarious and dreamy time, and I loved quiet moments studying on the fourth floor of Swift Hall with friends.
What will you be doing next?
This summer I am doing two part-time internships. At Religions for Peace, I will be helping with their interreligious leadership movements for global peace, as well as some public education writing on forgiveness. The second internship is with the Oxford Initiative’s Global Women’s Narrative Project, which focuses on trauma-sensitive ways to bring everyday women’s experiences of war, loss, family and migration into our conversations on gender policy. I’m very excited for both and have no idea where they will lead me. I hope by September, I will have gained the skills and fortitude to put myself on the job market.
Priscilla Ramos Rico Master of Arts, Clinical Social Work
I am currently studying Clinical Social Work at the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. One of my favorite experiences has been working as a Graduate Services Specialist front desk in the Graduate Student Lounge and being able to meet students from different graduate programs than I am in.
Upon graduation in June although still unsure of where exacting I will be working, I plan on staying in Chicago. I am interested in working with and hopefully plan on working with teens and adolescents providing therapy.
Caleb Sponheim Ph.D., Computational Neuroscience
What did you study?
I conducted research into the patterns and structure of brain activity in a part of the brain responsible for movement commands.
What are some favorite memories/lessons/experiences from your time here?
I will always think fondly of the community that the neurosciences programs cultivate here at UChicago. It was that warm community which brought me to the program, and kept me happy, comfortable, and supported throughout my tenure here.
What will you be doing next?
I’ll be joining Nielsen Norman Group as a UX Specialist, focusing on conducting quantitative user experience research and teaching courses on quantitative research methods.
Yuqing Zhu Ph.D., Computational Neuroscience
What did you study?
My program is Computational Neuroscience. For my thesis, I used a type of computer model—a spiking neural network—to simulate and study how populations of neurons in the brain support everyday animal behaviors, such as seeing motion and responding to it.
What are some favorite memories/lessons/experiences from your time here?
I love the friendships I’ve formed here. I am super grateful for the duo of the Pub & Doc Films after work—seeing certain films there was definitely a highlight of my time on campus. I loved calling up friends on warm days to go for a walk and a dip in the lake. And there were always so many things to do together in the city—from attending art shows to getting groceries at Joongboo to going out dancing. I’ve really loved my everyday life here in Chicago.
A lesson I’ve learned is that you never have to do things alone. The neuroscience community here is so amazing, and I am very grateful for the scientific, career and personal support I did receive—oftentimes without even asking.
What will you be doing next?
During my time in Chicago, I’ve also been growing as a visual artist. I’ll be opening my first solo show and starting in the fall, I will be a visiting assistant professor of neuroscience at Pomona College. I will be teaching undergraduate courses on neuroscience and AI, as well as quantitative skills for neuroscience research.
Room Reservations
Reservations may be made at the Graduate Student Lounge Information Desk or via e-mail at GradLounge@uchicago.edu.
Reservations requested via e-mail are not valid until the requestor receives a confirmation e-mail.
To ensure student access to the spaces, we limit reservations to 1 hour.
If the room is free at the conclusion of the reservation, the individual may reserve the room again.
Please note that one may reserve a room for no more than 3 consecutive hours. Please note that spaces may only be reserved by current University of Chicago graduate students.
Lounge Room 405 is a “smart” conference room, perfect for virtual meetings, small study sessions, meetings, and presentations. Room occupancy must be limited to six individuals.
Lounge Room 411 is a space best suited for small study sessions and meetings. Room occupancy must be limited to six individuals.
Reservations must be made at the Graduate Student Lounge Information Desk.
Reservations run throughout the day until the close of the Graduate Student Lounge each day.
Unclaimed items will be removed at 5 PM each day. Please note that spaces may only be reserved by current University of Chicago graduate students.
Grad Lounge Room 405
Grad Lounge Room 411
Santiago Ginebra Campillo
Graduate Program: Master of Public Policy, Harris School of Public Policy
Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
Education: Universidad Panamericana, Government & Public Policies, M.A., Universidad Anahuac, Public Administration & Government, B.A.
I am a professional committed to the development of new tools aimed at improving our environment. I am also able to analyze, assess and define the best route for solving public and private issues in different political and social spheres.
I love soccer, and I am a huge fan of Liverpool F.C. since 2004. Its motto is “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and it urges us to be persistent individuals.
Tanya Estrada Gomez
Graduate Program: Dual Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Social Work
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Education: California State University, Northridge; B.A. Criminology & Justice Studies
In addition to pursuing a dual master’s degree in Public Policy and Social Work, I am seeking certificates in Latin American & Caribbean Studies and International Policy & Development. My policy and research interests lie at the intersections of immigration, gender-based violence, and social inequality. I am currently interning for the International Organization for Adolescents (IOFA) and Community Organizing and Family Issues (COFI). As an intern for these organizations, I support administration and programming teams to address both sex and labor trafficking in the U.S and to strengthen the power and voice of low-income and working families. Along with working as a GSS, I am also a Building Manager at the Center for Identity and Inclusion where students can receive resources from the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, Student Support Services, and LGBTQ Student Life.
Lilly Gullickson
Graduate Program: Master of Public Policy
Hometown: Eagan, MN
Education: University of Wisconsin-Madison; B.B.A. Entrepreneurship and Risk Management
I am a first year MPP student and my policy focus is on education and social inequality. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in May 2022, and studied entrepreneurship and risk management with an educational services certificate. Outside of school I am a second year Don Lavoie fellow at George Mason University, and a member of the UChicagoGRAD Diversity Advisory Board. My life goal is to become a social entrepreneur and create businesses with social impact. Until I reach that goal, I am interested in gaining experience in consulting and policy analysis. In my free time I enjoy playing with my cat Lola, facetiming my family, hanging out with friends, and finding new shows on Netflix. A fun fact about me is I bartend at The Cove Lounge on the weekends.
Dhairya Karna
Graduate Program: Master of Computer Science
Hometown: Delhi, India
Education: Delhi Technological University, B. Tech. in Electrical Engineering
I am interested in how to use data, statistical methods, machine learning and AI to challenge outmoded industry standards. I find it intriguing to delve into emerging trends and analyze the factors that contribute to their popularity.
Fun fact about me is I am a music enthusiast. I love playing guitar during my free time. I have played bass guitar in 5 jazz concerts during my high school days in Delhi.
Yi (Lisa) Li
Graduate Program: Master of Public Policy
Hometown: Beijing, China
Education: UIUC, Champaign, Illinois; B.S., Mathematics, Sociology, and Economics
I am pursuing my master’s in public policy to start my career in data or research analysis. In my spare time, I love to watch YouTube or cook, as well as try different restaurants. My favorite legendary singer is Michael Jackson! I admire his talents and generous contribution to charity.
Kshitij Mittal
Graduate Program: Master of Science in Analytics
Hometown: New Delhi, India
Education: VIT Vellore, India; B. Tech. in Mechanical Engineering
I am a Data Science professional currently pursuing Master of Science in Analytics at UChicago. For me, Data Science is a medium for understanding human stories better. It never stops at modeling, but how well you can connect the dots to understand the true story with your limited data lens.
Along with Data Science, I am always in pursuit of new experiences and stories through traveling. This has helped me better understand societal and consumer trends, adding another layer of rich human insights to traditional quant heavy analytics.
Margot Rice
Graduate Program: Master’s Program (AM/MSW) in Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration
Hometown: Barnstable, Massachusetts
Education: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; B.A., Political Science
I am a second-year full time student in the Crown Family School of Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration. During my undergraduate career I studied political science and gender & health, focusing on the intersection of gender with the law and health policy. As a clinical social work student, I am now studying to become a therapist with the intention of serving adult LGBTQ+ populations. Outside of school, I love dancing with friends, spending time by the lake, and exploring the different neighborhoods of Chicago.
Priscilla Ramos Rico
Graduate Program: Master of Arts Program in Social Work, Social Policy, and Social Administration
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Education: The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio; B.A., Sociology
I am a second year student at the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. I am pursuing my Master’s in Clinical Social Work and currently doing my field placement at Advocate Illinois Masonic in their Pediatric Developmental Center; I’m a social work intern working with children with different developmental disabilities. After graduation, I hope to work with children and youth, from minority communities, focusing on community behavioral mental health. When I’m not working or in classes, I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy spending time with my partner and our dog Sunny, watching Netflix, and trying out new foods and restaurants. A fun fact about me is that I love traveling and exploring places I haven’t been to before.
Carolyn Schafer-Geurin
Graduate Program: Masters in Social Work, Social Administration
Hometown: White Lake, MI
Education: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI; B.A. Hospitality Business
Social worker with interests in international human rights and specifically incarceration. Hyde Park transplant. Enjoy reading, live music, and college sports!
Fun fact: This year alone, I’ve been to 20 concerts and a 3-day music festival!
Aishwarya Sivaramakrishnan
Graduate Program: Master of Public Policy (MPP), Harris School of Public Policy
Hometown: Trivandrum, India
Education: BA (Hons.) in Economics, Krea University
I am a first year MPP student at the Harris School of Public Policy, interested in education policy and child rights. In addition to working with advocacy groups to lobby for grassroots-level changes in educational institutions in India, I have also taught English as a Second Language to both adults and school students. I enjoy reading contemporary romance/YA novels (I love giving recommendations!), binge-watching shows with my roommate, baking, and (window) shopping. A fun fact about me—I know five languages and would love to learn more!
Jeongmin Shin
Graduate Program: Master of Public Policy (MPP)
Hometown: Incheon, South Korea
Education: Korea University, Seoul; B.A., Philosophy
After earning a bachelor’s degree, I worked for an airline company for four years as a flight attendant. I joined Harris to learn and polish quantitative skills and now specialize in energy & environmental and financial policies.
In my free time, I enjoy singing, watching movies, and exploring the city. And I love to try out something new and fun—I was on a TV quiz show in 2020 and won the competition!
