Grad School and Career Edition - February 16, 2023

Ohio State leaders weigh in on financing graduate and professional school

EMMA KOLICK Lantern reporter kolick.2@osu.edu

With just under 300 graduate degrees and programs, Ohio State hopes to lessen the financial burden for prospective students who seek to continue their collegiate career but worry about the high cost attached to obtaining the degree.

Despite the high initial price tag — with some programs listed at roughly $60,000 per year for those outside of the state — leadership at Ohio State is working to assure future scholars the school offers many different financial support systems. Mary Stromberger, dean of the Graduate School, said in an email there are many resources to help “reduce the cost” of funding for graduate school — including grants, scholarships, associateships, fellowships and loans.

As grants are largely based on demonstrating a need for aid, and scholarships are given as a result of merit achievement, Stromberger said most graduate students are automatically considered for these financial aid options when they apply to programs. Students can also find external scholarships and grants using ScholarshipUniverse and The Graduate School’s website.

Stromberger said fellowships — in which graduate students receive aid for their schooling through tuition and fee coverage, stipends and other monthly benefits — are sought after by many and require a rigorous application process.

“Fellowships are highly competitive and highly desirable because students are not asked to do additional work in exchange for the fellowships,” Stromberger said.

She also said most fellowships are awarded to doctoral students, with approximately 10 percent a year receiving a graduate school fellowship, from either internal or external agencies.

Stromberger said fellowships can be granted for one, two or three years of a program depending upon the specific award given.

Another highly coveted form of financial aid for graduate students includes associateships, which support around 70-75 percent of doctoral students through

monthly stipends, tuition and fee awards in exchange for teaching and researching for the university, Stromberger said.

“[Graduate Assistant] appointments are highly sought-after, not just because of the financial benefits provided, but because they provide valuable professional training for graduate students to prepare themselves for careers in academia, government or private industry,” Stromberger said.

Dan Evans, operation manager at BuckeyeLink, said while these forms of financial aid are often viewed as free money, most of these awards do not cover the entire cost of attendance; thus, loans are a popular option in financing graduate school.

“Through the Student Financial Aid office, graduate students can be awarded Federal unsubsidized loans or Graduate PLUS loans,” Evans said.

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CASEY CASCALDO LANTERN FILE PHOTO

Students looking to attend graduate school might fear financial struggles when obtaining their degree. Ohio State offers many solutions for this issue.

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These loans require an application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA, Evans said. Unsubsidized loans, in which interest starts accumulating the moment the loan is taken out, are automatically granted, whereas Graduate PLUS loans require a separate application in addition to the completion of FAFSA.

Stromberger said graduate student loan

conditions differ from those of undergraduate loans because graduate loans “require interest payments while the student is enrolled” with higher interest rates.

“Graduate students should consult with a financial aid officer in the Office of Financial Aid before taking a loan and be fully knowledgeable of the loan’s terms and repayment plan,” Stromberger said.

Stromberger said another recent popular

method in paying for graduate school includes employer or personal funds. The university recognizes the challenges of halting employment in order to pursue a graduate degree, so many programs have started to allow both at the same time. As individuals seek to advance their educational careers, employers are recognizing the benefits of an increasingly knowledgeable workforce, and some are granting employees tuition benefits, Stromberger said.

Stromberger said around 25 percent of the university’s current master’s students receive employer funding to financially aid their graduate careers, including Ohio State employees who receive benefits from the university.

“The benefits of a graduate degree, in terms of career advancement and salary opportunities, most often make it a worthy investment,” Stromberger said.

Let’s get personal: A guide to perfect the personal statement for graduate school applications

KATE SHIELDS

Lantern reporter

shields.323@osu.edu

For students considering graduate school, the daunting task of writing the perfect personal statement may be holding them back.

Most students who apply to graduate school have not written an entrance essay in at least four years, but writing and career coaches said there are easy ways to go about the process and make sure the personal statement stands out.

Set aside plenty of time

One of the most avoidable stumbling blocks students face during the application process is waiting until the last minute to begin.

Allison Kranek, writing center manager at the Center for the Study and Teaching of Writing, said it is important to plan ahead and allow ample time for drafting a personal statement.

“We don’t write things like this often, and we don’t write about ourselves often, so allowing a lot of time before the deadline for drafting, for getting feedback and for getting revisions is really key,” Kranek said.

Kranek said using time wisely is also important, because what students are asked to write will vary based on the school and the program.

“That can be a frustrating part of the pro-

cess,” Kranek said. “It is one of the reasons why I say it’s really important to plan ahead and give yourself time because you are likely going to have to make some essays shorter or talk about slightly different things.”

Getting started

Before students start writing, it is a good idea to outline their ideas and ask others for advice.

Ryan Wilhelm, assistant director of career coaching for Buckeye Careers at the Younkin Success Center, said writing out accomplishments is helpful.

“Where I would always start is I would create a chart, and in column A, I would put what I think it takes to be successful in this program and in this field,” Wilhelm said. “Then I would make column B, what experiences I have that help check off those boxes.”

Wilhelm said students should also include why they are interested in a specific field.

“The biggest thing that people should do that they don’t always do is, you’re saying what your career goals are, and you’re saying why you want to go into this program,but you have to talk about what informed that,” Wilhelm said.

Kranek said it is beneficial to chat with people about the purpose of entering graduate school and have them jot down

some notes while the prospective student talks.

“Just getting off the page or the screen can be really generative,” Kranek said. “Whether they’re talking to an advisor or a professor, sometimes that can help us get over what can be a paralyzing fear of getting started or trying to develop the perfect first sentence.”

Make sure the personal statement is persuasive

Many students talk so much about the program they are applying to in the essay that they forget to talk about themselves. Wilhelm said the essay should read like a brochure for why the student is a great fit for a specific program.

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Kranek said the essay is often the only space students are given to talk about themselves because many programs do not have interviews.

“It is, sort of, there to speak for you and give them a glimpse into who you are and, really, to make meaning of your experiences in ways that your resume can’t and even your transcript can’t,” Kranek said.

Kranek said it is important to think about the personal statement as a piece of persuasion.

“Personal statements and application essays are really asking you to make an argument about yourself, and that’s the part that can feel really off putting because we’re not used to making arguments about ourselves,” Kranek said.

Consider the context

Kranek said it is important to remember the

personal statement is a part of a package.

“It’s not the only document that committees will see, but it is a way that they’ll get to know you in a little bit more detail than your resume will provide,” Kranek said.

Wilhelm said students should go into detail about what is on their resume in their personal statement.

“Anyone can apply to a program, but I need to be able to show that I’ve already had skills and experiences that I can build off of as I’m going through the program,” Wilhelm said.

Kranek said students should also keep in mind that application committees are reading a lot of essays, so students should think about their personal experiences and find what makes them unique or different.

Use resources

Knowing what resources are out there and using them advantageously is key in the writing process.

Kranek said looking up sample essays online and talking with both people close to them and those who are not can be very beneficial for students.

“It’s always a useful practice to share drafts of your personal statement with people who are writing recommendation letters for you,” Kranek said. “Not only can it help them as they are writing their letters, but they can also give you feedback from a more disciplinary angle.”

Kranek said students can also make an appointment at the writing center for individual consultations in person or online with both synchronous and asynchronous options.

“We work with anybody in the OSU community,” Kranek said. “We work with undergrads, we work with grad students, and we also work with faculty and staff.”

Thursday,

ARTS&LIFE

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Ohio State graduate-owned dance studio presents a dance class opportunity for students and locals

KALEY RICHARD Lantern reporter richard.222@osu.edu

Finding dance classes for students of all ages is difficult, but in Columbus, the Artisan Dance Studio’s adult dance classes provide students with knowledge of dance and friendship.

Artisan’s opened in 2012 at 4310 N. High St., eventually moving to its current location at 4140 Indianola Ave. as it continued to grow. Founded by Ohio State alumna Jessica Kehn, the Artisan Dance Studio teaches all forms of dance, starting out only with youth classes and later expanded to adult classes for all levels, according to its website. After starting an 18-plus program, it took off and allowed students to find community, Kehn said.

“Through the years, I saw there was a need for adult dance classes, especially classes that were just drop-in friendly,” Kehn said.

Artisan differentiates itself from other studios by allowing flexibility for adults who may not always be able to commit to an intense practice schedule. Kara Braunreiter, Artisan’s competition team director and backstage production manager, said the drop-in friendly structure appealed to her while seeking dance classes after moving to Columbus.

Braunreiter, a 2020 Ohio State graduate with a Ph.D. in molecular genetics, first attended Artisan Dance as a student in 2013 and became a teacher in 2015. She said she still attends classes as a student when she can and instructs classes four days a week.

Braunreiter previously taught youth and adult classes in Wisconsin but said the

adult classes there were not as successful as Artisan’s because of the lack of flexibility in skill levels.

“I originated an adult tap class there that did not go over nearly as well, partly because of the setup and structure of the class,” Braunreiter said. “One thing that Artisan does really well is having unique levels that are tailored to adults that are at different places in their dance journey.”

Kehn, who works as an instructor full time, has taught dance since she was 17. Kehn began working at Artisan when she was 25, where she now teaches both youth and adult classes. Kehn said these classes are divided between group and private lessons, and they have been equally rewarding.

“When adults come to class, it’s really because they want to come to class. They’ve signed themselves up, and they’re pursuing something they love,” Kehn said. “It’s a different environment, and it’s really rewarding to teach adults.”

Involvement in dance as an adult can give members friendships and a sense of belonging, especially if they can bond over their love of the art, Kehn said.

“Being an adult and trying to find a friend group can be challenging if you don’t have something in common or something you’re pursuing,” Kehn said. “What I love the most is watching just those friendships grow. They’ll share a barre in the center of class together, then they’re going out for coffee or lunch. Then suddenly you find these people becoming fast friends.”

Finding community within adult classes not only happens between students, Kehn said. She gets to know members as friends

herself, especially long-term students.

“There’s like that sense of community because they’re my age and because we’ve danced together or taken classes together for so long,” Kehn said.

The Artisan Dance Studio welcomes new students, accepting participants in adult or youth classes. Those interested can sign up on its website. Adult classes range from 60-90 minutes with prices from $12-15, according to its website. Memberships with 20 classes each month cost $140.

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AI technology is getting more advanced, now taking a part in the art world. Read more about it here.

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Friend, foe or something in between: Creatives talk AI’s complex presence in the art world

LUCY LAWLER Lantern reporter lawler.129@osu.edu

New technology can often work its way into the art world, and in 2023, artificial intelligence has allowed the art to create itself.

Popular apps, such as the 2021 release Dream by WOMBO and 2022’s Wonder — boasting over 10 and 5 million downloads respectively, according to Google Play — generate pictures in a multitude of artistic styles via artificial intelligence software, all based on users’ textual prompts. This AI art remains widely accessible in 2023.

Ken Rinaldo, a pioneer of AI art and Ohio State professor emeritus of art and technology, said he views AI as a tool capable of both enhancing and dampening the human imagination. Individual experimentation is what keeps AI art fresh, he said.

“[I’ve] always taken an attitude that the best art and technology works arise out of misusing the tools,” Rinaldo said. “If one uses the tools as intended, often you end up with work that looks like everybody else’s work.”

Rinaldo said his most recent exhibition, entitled “Synthetic Evolution,” premiered in Lisbon, Portugal, in June 2022, and explored the relationship between mankind and machinery. After compiling a data set from 200 personal drawings, Rinaldo trained an AI to understand his style. He then selected the AI’s strongest outputs, added color to them and altered their form if needed, he said. Finally, Rinaldo said the hybrid illustrations were printed out on fine art paper.

Accompanying video footage depicted the compositions’ transformations from beginning to end, demonstrating how artists can collaborate with AI in daring ways, Rinaldo said. He said artists who want to work with AI should consciously avoid laziness.

“Art is much more about exploring a sense of wonder, perhaps an awe, and trying to create a sense of awe,” Rinaldo said. “If one is expressing a kind of aesthetic that flows through an algorithm, then maybe it doesn’t quite have, for me, an essence of what the artist might actually wish they were saying.”

James Waite, a master’s student in fine arts who uses they/them pronouns, said they feel some standalone AI-produced images lack the valuable aura of handcreated works. However, Waite, who has a background in web development, said people seeking out AI art should not have to feel shame.

“We can’t be the aesthetics police,” Waite said. “I can’t tell somebody that they don’t like something because of how it looks, because that’s obviously a very subjective and personal conversation there.”

Waite said fandom culture — a phenomenon that occurs when people foster communities devoted to specific facets of pop culture — is one likely proponent of AI art. Fastacting AI art generators can help meet the high demand for fan art related to beloved movie franchises, TV shows and book series, they said.

“People have an insatiable wanting or a desire to get more of what they already like,” Waite said. “I think for those people, the question of authenticity doesn’t really matter to them at all.”

Artists’ ability to opt in to technology companies’ data sets is also crucial to consider when discussing AI art as a whole, they said. Waite said when artists are denied that choice, they are denied creative power and autonomy.

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“I posted an image online, and then an image of something exists on the website, and you can go download that,” Waite said. “But it’s still my copyrighted material.”

Rinaldo said AI art can acquire a more legitimate reputation with time.

“There was a time when people felt that photographers were going to put painters out of business, that clearly didn’t happen,” Rinaldo said. “Even in medieval times, those who didn’t mix their own paint were thought not to be real artists, because they didn’t understand the chemistry of paint.”

AI art’s fate rests in artists’ hands, Rinaldo said. Originality is still of importance, perhaps more so than ever before, he said.

“I think artists are going to need to develop a far more intimate relationship with artificial intelligence in order to really develop something new, and not just let the algorithms take the work where it might take it,” Rinaldo said.

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With his 2021 MA in Social Justice from MTSO, Alexander has founded a composting service and overseen the creation of a Fresh Market, offering free, healthy produce in partnership with Columbus’ Linden community. Now he’s director of strategic development for SEA Change, helping social entrepreneurs solidify their impact. He also serves as a pastor for the United Methodist Church for All People.

e MA in Social Justice motivated me to ask the hard questions and then gure out how the answers apply to my life. ere’s a lot of hands-on engagement – not just talking through justice but applying your passion in practical ways that make a real di erence. It has equipped me with the educational resources to combat injustice, and it’s connected me with other people and organizations who are doing the work.”

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As a part of The Lantern’s grad and career edition, check out which programs Ohio State’s grad students are enrolled in.

Year 6: The impact and experiences of sixth-year student-athletes

GABE WARE Copy Chief ware.421@osu.edu

Maddy Lowe, a women’s soccer graduate midfielder, had the opportunity to fulfill her dream of playing four seasons of college soccer after battling injuries through an unconventional route — coming back as a sixth year senior.

Most college student-athletes play their sport for four years, with some taking a fifth due to a redshirt or graduate season, but the COVID-19 pandemic saw the NCAA grant student-athletes an additional year of eligibility in 2020-21. Whether it’s through one or several of the more traditional avenues, programs are seeing student-athletes use the extra seasons for their careers.

Some athletes like Lowe and graduate student golfer JonErik Alford have the rare experience of a sixth season with their program.

For Lowe, coming back for a sixth year after losing two seasons to knee injuries was all about one dream: playing four seasons of college soccer. After missing the 202122 season, she said she had the support of her coaches in returning.

“There was definitely conversation with my coach about what my next step was,” Lowe said. “We just had an open line of communication with [head] coach Lori [Walker-Hock] about what my next steps were, and I told her that I wanted to come back and play again, and she welcomed me back with open arms.”

Lowe said returning for a sixth season allowed her to remain around the program as she went through a master’s program in sports management, adding additional experience as she moved toward her career.

“Like coach Walker says, I have thrived in a stressful environment for the past six years, so I think transitioning into real-life work and a job, I deal with hard things well,” Lowe said. “Being here for two extra years gave me the competence to make decisions that I might not have when I was an undergrad and only been here for four.”

Alford got off to a slow start in his college career, redshirting his freshman year but began to flourish as a graduate in year five,

in which he said he finally got a chance to “breathe.”

Following a breakout season in which he competed in 12 events and earned a spot as an Academic All-American in 2022, Alford said coming back for an extra year was a chance to plan out his future as a pro.

“It kind of gave me the year I needed to get my feet under me, to get my plan set,” Alford said. “Get my vision for where my pro golf career is going to go.”

Alford said he’s finishing his master’s in sports management this spring, which works to complement his relationship with the men’s golf program.

“You can relate a little bit more to the coaches’ side. I get a little different perspective, especially from management and just 100 different things that pop up in a day for them,” Alford said.

Alford said he felt like his role doubled as a player and an unofficial graduate assistant, something men’s golf head coach Jay Moseley echoed.

“We do see him as kind of a student-athlete coach, or sort of a coach in the locker room so to speak,” Moseley said. “He knows the way we think and the way we do things, and he’s seen a lot through college.”

Moseley said it’s “great” that many student-athletes have used their sixth year for not only athletics but also academics, doing things that “otherwise may not have been possible.” Despite much experience coaching sixth-year student-athletes outside of Alford, he sees a lot of opportunities in the system, he said.

Lowe and Alford shared a similar sentiment in goals they made for their final seasons: leading their team to success.

Lowe and the women’s soccer team enjoyed some of that success, finishing with 11 wins and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last fall.

“I really wanted to get a group of girls together and lead them and be able to give them my knowledge and experience,” Lowe said.

For Alford, he said he has goals of competpeting with the Buckeyes at the highest level.

I want to see these guys compete hard at Big Tens, see what we can do there and just get to nationals and compete, compete as hard as we can,” Alford said. “We’re a top25 program pretty consistently now, so just trying to keep that level up and see if we can crack into the top 10 here soon.”

Moseley said while year six may not be a

path for every student-athlete, he sees how valuable it can become in the right circumstances.

“Every situation is different,” Moseley said. “I think in some ways, year six can be hugely impactful for both an athlete and a program.”

MACKENZIE SHANKLIN | LANTERN FILE PHOTO

Graduate midfielder Maddy Lowe has been a constant in the Ohio State women’s soccer program.

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Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023

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New lacrosse stadium o cially open for competition

MICHAELA BELKIN & LAURYN LUDERMAN Lantern reporters belkin.19@osu.edu luderman.4@osu.edu

The Ohio State men’s and women’s lacrosse teams finally have a place to call home.

Ohio State Lacrosse Stadium is finally open for business after 2 1/2 years in the making.

In August 2021, the Ohio State Board of Trustees approved stadium construction for Ohio State’s first $24.9 million lacrosse-only venue. Less than two years later, it is now home to the Buckeyes men’s and women’s lacrosse teams after opening Jan. 21.

Men’s lacrosse head coach Nick Myers played an integral role in making the stadium come to fruition. From raising funds to choosing a location for the flagpole, Myers said he’d been looking forward to getting inside the stadium since the moment it was approved.

“The venue has been a big part of the Buckeye dream for a long time,” Myers said. “We said, ‘It would be ideal if we could eventually find a way to create our own venue that we could practice and compete in that would be ideal for our fans, men’s and women’s program.’”

Women’s lacrosse head coach Amy Bokker had a slightly different experience than Myers.

The approval to build a new stadium was part of her interview process when she was named head coach in June 2019.

“Watching it being built from the ground up literally and being a part of the process is something I really appreciate,” Bokker said. “With Myers and myself, we were able to put a lot of little touches from our logo to centerfield to just all the little parts

of the shooting rooms in the locker rooms.”

The new addition to the athletic district is located between the Jennings Wrestling Facility and the Ty Tucker Tennis Center. The project can seat 1,894 fans.

The stadium’s amenities include a shooting room, heated turf, outdoor wall ball and a training room, which both the players and coaches use. Neither team can use the shooting room yet because it’s unfinished.

Ohio State Lacrosse Stadium opened to the public for the first time Jan. 21 when the men’s team competed against Lafayette in a preseason scrimmage. Fifth-year attack and team captain Jack Myers had the privilege of cutting the “grand opening” ribbon. The stadium saw its first win when the men’s lacrosse team defeated Air Force 15-7 Feb. 4 and another win when the women’s lacrosse team beat Robert Morris Friday in its home opener.

“I’m just extremely grateful to have this facility for us,” men’s lacrosse senior attack Scott White said. “It’s our new home, and it’s unbelievable.”

Bokker already noticed the tangible benefits of having their own stadium, she said.

“Every time we step out, we just feel like it’s our classroom, our home, our place to compete, and overall a place to call our own that we take a lot of pride in,” Bokker said.

Players from both teams have noticed an immediate difference with their training when it comes to the actual lacrosse lines painted on the field, Ferrara said.

When lacrosse was played at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center or Ohio Stadium, where Ohio State football practices and plays, the football markings on the turf could be a distraction but are no longer a concern, senior attack and captain Nicole Ferrara said.

“We really get to play on our own field with

just our men’s and women’s teams with no football hashes that kind of distract us,” Ferrara said. “It’s also special to be able to come out and do extra work, and not have to wonder if the facility is being used by any other team.”

The 360-degree vantage points are the most unique part about the stadium, Nick Myers said. In the planning stages, he emphasized there should be no bad seats in the stadium, so it was designed with multiple seating options for fans to choose from.

“We designed a stadium that’s going to have a very interactive fan base,” Nick Myers said. “From berm seating to rails behind the benches to bleachers. I think as fans get in and get a sense of where they’d like to sit and enjoy the game, that’ll be fun to see.”

The men’s lacrosse team hopes to sell out its first crowd in the new stadium when No. 19 North Carolina comes to Columbus Sunday. The women’s lacrosse team will welcome its first ranked opponent to Ohio

State Lacrosse Stadium Feb. 25 against No. 10 Denver.

The athletes and coaches said they are extremely grateful to all the people who played a part in bringing the stadium to life — including donors, architect Chris King, Ruscilli Construction Co., LLC, HOK and athletics director Gene Smith.

Having a home for the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams is “a chance to honor those that have come before us, as well as those that will come in years ahead,” Nick Myers said.

Some Ohio State student-athletes have opted to play for a sixth year. Read how it’s impacted their academic and athletic careers.

ZACHARY RILLEY PHOTO EDITOR

Senior attack Jack Myers (2) cuts the ribbon on the opening of the new Ohio State Lacrosse Stadium Jan. 21. The stadium opened to fans for the first time during Ohio State’s scrimmage against Lafayette.