Graduate Student Organization

The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) seeks to foster a sense of community among the graduate students and faculty through open departmental meetings, seminars, social activities, outreach and professional development. All graduate students enrolled in the Physics Ph.D. Program are automatically members of this organization and are encouraged to be active in decision making and leadership opportunities as well as participate in the social and professional activities.

Open Departmental Meetings

Twice a year the leadership board will host an open meeting for physics graduate students.  Complimentary snacks and/or lunch will be provided. Discussions will be centered around future goals and achievements of the GSO. Students are welcome to provide ideas and feedback during these meetings.

Graduate Student Seminars (GSS)

As part of the Ph.D. Program, all graduate students are required to give seminar-like presentations throughout their career at Duke University. Students are encouraged to volunteer to present their practice talk for an upcoming preliminary or dissertation exam, conference or another topic of interest (side project or interesting article) to their peers in this setting. These seminars are usually held every Friday from 12:00 - 1:00 pm.  Complimentary lunch is provided.

Social Activities

Throughout the year, the GSO plans a variety of social events to include the Welcome Picnic, Cookie Time Hours, Tea Time, Pick up 4 Square Games, S'mores & Cider and much, much more! This year there will be a t-shirt design contest with a special prize and bragging rights awarded to the selected winner. Each graduate student will receive a t-shirt once the winning design has been selected and printed.

Outreach and Professional Development

The department offers many volunteer opportunities for students who are seeking to acquire and/or sharpen their professional skills:

  1. Participation in scientific presentations given to the area elementary, middle and high school student population.
  2. Involvement in a wide gamut of scientific events for alumni and community members.
  3. GSO Leadership and Committee Chair Roles.

 

(Last updated: October 16, 2018