Considering continuing on to graduate or professional school but worried whether it will be worth the time, money, or energy? This virtual roundtable of Michigan alums is just what you’re looking for! As current or recently graduated students of graduate and professional programs, our panelists will offer candid conversation on their experiences of applying to and attending predominantly white institutions for their advanced studies. Our diverse group of panelists will give you insight into what steps it takes to make admission into the program of your choice a reality.


Our panelists include:

Sommer Albert — Masters of Social Work (MSW) graduate, University of Washington

Oluwatosin “Tosin” Olojo — Masters of Public Health (MPH) student, Epidemiology; Emory University

John Petoskey – J.D., University of Michigan; M.S. University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability

Andre Ray — Master of Science in Information (MSI) graduate, University of Michigan

You should attend this panel if you are:

- A U-M LSA student

- Exploring the possibility of graduate/professional school and deciding whether to apply

- Thinking about or planning to attend the 2022 LSA Grad School Fair on November 10


What you’ll gain by attending:

- Get assistance with identifying the graduate school program best aligned to your career goals and interests

- Learn helpful tips on how to navigate graduate school in instances when your identity is underrepresented on campus

- Get suggestions for navigating the application process, including necessary steps like asking for letters of recommendation and securing funding for tuition and living expenses

- Gain a fuller understanding of the day-to-day life as a grad student

- Gather insights from a diverse group of alums on the highlights and challenges from their graduate school experiences

- Gain an appreciation of the importance of building strong relationships with professors and advisors

- Gain an understanding of how to overcome feelings of imposter syndrome

- Get support generating potential questions to ask graduate programs representatives at the upcoming LSA Grad School Fair

Sommer Albert is a recent graduate of the MSW program at the University of Washington. Her chosen specialization, Community Centered Integrative Practice, allowed her to develop the direct practice skills needed to become a Licensed Social Worker but also sharpen her community organizing, grant writing, and critical empowerment skills. Since graduation, she has been working as an educator for a Children Defense Fund Freedom School site in Seattle, Washington. She is responsible for creating and facilitating daily empowerment-based reading curriculum, weekly art enrichments, and assisting with restorative justice practices at the elementary school. Sommer is extremely passionate about community mental health, behavioral health interventions for children, youth, and teens, and the need for community-based interventions and prevention education in underserved communities.

Oluwatosin “Tosin” Olojo graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a minor in Science, Technology, and Society from Michigan in 2018. While at Michigan, she was involved in research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program and taught with M-STEM Academies. Shortly after graduating, she worked as an environmental chemist with Great Lakes Water Authority before returning to school. Now, she is a second-year MPH Candidate in Epidemiology at Rollins School of Public Health (Emory University). There, she participates in the Association of Black Public Health Students, as a school ambassador, and does research with the CDC and her professors.

John Petoskey is an associate attorney in Earthjustice’s Midwest Regional Office in Chicago. Prior to coming to Earthjustice, John was an associate at the Environmental Law and Policy Center. He holds a J.D. from University of Michigan Law School and an M.S. from the UM School for Environment and Sustainability. John is an enrolled citizen of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and grew up on his tribe’s reservation in Peshawbestown, Michigan.

Andre Ray received his Masters degree from the University of Michigan’s’ School of Information in May 2022. He specialized in Big Data Analysis and worked on a graduate certificate in Precision Health from the Michigan Medical School. During his time as a graduate student Andre also worked as a Graduate Student Instructor in Data Science and founded a startup company “Cumulus Media” which received funding from the OptiMize incubator. Prior to going to graduate school Andre worked as an independent film producer and previously received his Bachelors from University of Michigan in Film.


RSVP NOW to reserve your spot. By signing up, you will receive an email with details on how to attend this workshop the morning of the session.

The LSA Opportunity Hub aims to deliver inclusive and accessible experiences and welcomes all LSA students to participate. This event will be hosted on Zoom (learn more about Zoom accessibility) and can be accessed by phone or computer. Presentation materials may be shared in advance if requested, and live captioning will be provided. To request other accommodations please contact LSA Hub Events at LSA.HubEvents@umich.edu or 734-763-4674 so we can make arrangements.