Discover the support network behind graduate student success at NDSU

At NDSU, graduate students gain more than an advanced degree; they join a supportive community dedicated to their success. From personalized guidance and professional development opportunities to academic resources and dedicated staff support, NDSU provides the tools, connections and encouragement you need to thrive in graduate school and beyond.

“The Graduate School supports graduate students throughout their entire journey, from welcome and orientation to commencement, offering guidance on academic policies and procedures, as well as programming focused on research communication and management of complex projects,” said Matthew Warner, the coordinator for the Grad Hub and Graduate Professional Skills Academy in the Graduate School.

Aditya Goyal, a doctoral student in materials and nanotechnology from Uttarakhand, India, said NDSU was the right decision for his academic goals.

“I am grateful for the opportunities I have received at NDSU,” he said. “My time here has helped me grow academically, professionally, and personally. NDSU has given me the space to pursue meaningful research, develop as a communicator and explore how my work can make a real-world difference.”

Ana Fuents Rostran, a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in plant sciences, has also found support and growth throughout her time at NDSU.

“I chose NDSU primarily because of its strong sense of community. I had the opportunity to intern in the Dry Bean Breeding Program back in 2023. That 4-month experience showed me how welcoming and supportive everyone is, and my friends genuinely encouraged me to return for my graduate studies,” said Fuents Rostran, who is from Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. “Additionally, I love the multicultural environment at NDSU, where you can learn from different cultures every day.”

Both Goyal and Fuents Rostran recently shared which resources have been especially helpful to their studies, what stood out most about NDSU’s Graduate School and their advice to prospective graduate students.

Read their answers below.

What stood out to you about NDSU’s graduate programs and support services during your decision-making process?

Goyal: “What stood out to me about NDSU was the balance between strong academic training and a supportive graduate community. As an international student coming from Uttarakhand, India, I was looking for a place where I could grow not only as a researcher, but also as a person and professional. NDSU offered that environment. The interdisciplinary nature of the materials and nanotechnology program was especially important to me because my interests connect materials science, environmental engineering, sustainability and real-world applications. I saw opportunities to work across disciplines, collaborate with faculty from different backgrounds and pursue research that could have practical impact beyond the lab. was also impressed by how accessible the support system felt. Graduate school can be challenging, especially when you are adapting to a new academic culture, but NDSU had resources for research, communication, professional development and student success. That combination of academic rigor, mentorship and personal support made NDSU feel like the right place for my goals.”

Fuents Rostran: “Several aspects stood out to me about NDSU’s graduate program and support services, starting with the exceptional quality of education. I experienced firsthand the dedication and expertise of the professors, which really impressed me. Additionally, the fact that NDSU is an R1 research university was a key factor in my decision because this indicates the strong institutional commitment to high-impact research. I would also like to highlight how supportive the services were during my application process. Applying from Costa Rica when I was finishing my bachelor’s degree, I was a bit concerned about communication, but I found it to be effective and clear throughout the process. Finally, the opportunity to take a certificate alongside my master’s program is a great way to enhance my professional growth.”

What Graduate School resources or services have been the most valuable to you during your time at NDSU?

Goyal: “The most valuable resources for me have been the professional development opportunities, communication-focused events and the guidance available to graduate students as they navigate research and academic life. These resources helped me understand that being successful in graduate school is not only about doing good research, but also about learning how to communicate that research clearly, build confidence and prepare for future opportunities. The Graduate School’s programming helped me improve how I present my work to different audiences, whether they are researchers, students, professionals or people outside my field. This has been very important for me because my research connects scientific ideas with real-world environmental and sustainability challenges.”

Fuents Rostran: “Two resources have been particularly valuable. First, the workshops provided by the Grad Hub and led by Dr. Matthew Warner have been very important for my professional development. Last year, I had the opportunity to be part of the Professional Development Hub during the fall semester. I learned several skills that helped me both as a professional and as a person. Surprisingly, some of them were things I had never realized were so important in the professional world, such as how to improve my LinkedIn profile, how to prepare a resume for a job application to highlight my skill set, how to effectively prepare for an interview process and more. Secondly, the Center for Writers has provided a welcoming space that has significantly boosted my confidence in academic writing.”

What professional development opportunities, workshops or events have had a significant impact on your growth as a graduate student?

Goyal: “The Three-Minute Thesis competition had one of the biggest impacts on my growth as a graduate student. It challenged me to take complex research and explain it in a way that was simple, engaging and meaningful to a general audience. That process pushed me to think more deeply about the broader purpose of my work and how to communicate its value beyond technical details. Other research presentations, poster sessions and professional development events at NDSU have also helped me grow. Each opportunity gave me a chance to receive feedback, refine my message and become more comfortable sharing my work with different audiences. These experiences have shaped how I see myself not only as a researcher, but also as a communicator and future professional.”

Fuents Rostran: “NDSU has several clubs that you can join as an undergraduate and graduate student. This experience allowed me to become involved in the community. Currently, I serve as the treasurer for the Plant Science Graduate Student Association, an experience that has been fundamental for developing my teamwork skills and organizing events that help my peers. I have also improved my communication skills by presenting at events like the Soybean Symposium, Student Research Days and the Plant Science Graduate Student Symposium, all of which were hosted at NDSU. In addition, I am part of the B4U mentoring program, a Bayer initiative that supports the personal and professional growth of students by providing a one-on-one mentorship. This has given me a much better understanding of industry expectations and workflows at large companies like Bayer. It has also been a wonderful opportunity to connect with other professionals within the company and with students from numerous universities across the country and abroad, which is invaluable for building my network in the agricultural field.”

How have the resources available through the Graduate School helped you achieve your academic goals?

Goyal: “The resources available through the Graduate School have helped me become more focused, confident and intentional in my academic journey. Graduate school requires much more than completing experiments or coursework. It requires learning how to manage expectations, communicate ideas, receive feedback and continue improving even when the work is difficult.Through NDSU’s resources and opportunities, I have been able to present my research more effectively, strengthen my communication skills and better understand how to explain my work to both technical and non-technical audiences. These experiences have helped me grow academically because they forced me to think clearly about my research questions, methods and impact.”

Fuents Rostran: “The resources available through graduate school have helped me achieve my academic goals. Beyond the technical proficiency in my field, I consider soft skills fundamental for any professional. Thanks to various workshops, I have improved my ability to communicate science to different audiences, using posters and oral presentations. Also, the Center for Writers has been a huge support when I am working on my thesis proposal or even my thesis. In summary, these resources have enabled me to expand my knowledge and expertise while strengthening foundational skills essential for my future career, such as teamwork and leadership.”

Overall, how has your experience at NDSU helped you grow as a researcher, scholar or professional?

Goyal: “My experience at NDSU has helped me grow from a student into a more independent researcher and professional. I have learned how to design experiments, analyze results, solve problems and think critically about the broader meaning of my research. NDSU has given me the opportunity to work on research that connects materials science, nanotechnology, sustainability and environmental applications, which has helped me see how academic work can contribute to real-world solutions.”

Fuents Rostran: “Overall, my time at NDSU has been completely transformative for my growth as a researcher and professional. Coming into the master's program, my background was very specific, but the hands-on opportunities here have drastically expanded my perspective. The Broadleaf Crops Program has allowed me to get involved in different ongoing research projects beyond my thesis. Collaborating on field experiments with various crops has given me a much deeper understanding of agriculture beyond just soybeans, strengthening my technical adaptability as a scientist. A major part of that development has been thanks to my research, where I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate directly with an industry partner, GDM Seeds Company. This experience has bridged the gap between academic research and real-world commercial application, giving me a solid understanding of how breeding decisions impact the market and growers.”

What message would you share with prospective graduate students about the support network they can expect to find through the Graduate School?

Goyal: “For students considering NDSU, my message would be that this is a place where you can challenge yourself, find mentorship and build confidence. If you are willing to engage with the community and make use of the opportunities available, NDSU can help you grow into a stronger researcher, communicator and professional.”

Fuents Rostran: “To prospective graduate students, the message is clear: you are entering an environment truly dedicated to your success. The NDSU community is committed to helping you grow both personally and professionally, and the Graduate School offers several resources designed to support your journey and empower you to develop innovative ideas that can make a real impact in the world.”

Discover how NDSU can help you take the next step and reach your full potential by applying today or learning more on the Graduate School website.