Graduate School News – The Graduate School

Celebrating Graduate Excellence: Inside the Alpha Epsilon Lambda Induction Ceremony

speara — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:15:11 +0000

On Thursday, November 20, The Graduate School proudly welcomed its newest inductees into Alpha Epsilon Lambda (AEL), the national honor society recognizing the top graduate and professional students across the country. Membership reflects extraordinary academic excellence, leadership, and service within one’s program and community.

As faculty, staff, families, and fellow students filled University Hall’s 7th Floor Conference Center, a warm glow from the New York City skyline set the stage for an evening of recognition, pride, and celebration.

Inductees are seated before the ceremony, taking in the excitement of the evening ahead.

Family and friends arrive, eager to celebrate the achievements of their loved ones.

A Night of Recognition and Inspiration

The ceremony opened with remarks from Dr. Stefanie Brachfeld, Acting Provost, Vice Provost for Research, and Interim Dean of The Graduate School. She commended inductees for their resilience and dedication, noting that graduate education demands not only intellectual strength but leadership and service to community.

Dr. Stefanie Brachfeld delivers opening remarks, setting an inspiring tone for the evening.

Faculty and Mentors at the Heart of the Celebration

Faculty members from across �鶹��ý��’s colleges and schools were recognized for their mentorship and contributions to the graduate community. Their presence highlighted the partnerships, encouragement, and scholarship that make student success possible.

Faculty guests, including leaders like Associate Dean Dana Levitt, stand to be recognized for their impact on graduate education.

Honoring the Chapter’s Legacy

Deborah Reynoso, Director of Student Academic Services, reflected on the history of AEL’s Alpha Kappa Chapter and its ongoing mission to elevate graduate achievement and leadership at �鶹��ý��.

Deborah Reynoso shares the chapter’s origins and its commitment to graduate excellence.

Student Leadership in Action

AEL President Dina Marie Leotsakas encouraged inductees to continue serving as leaders within their programs and communities. Her remarks emphasized that graduate education is not only about mastery of knowledge, but about elevating those around you.

AEL President Dina Leotsakas addresses new inductees, highlighting the power of leadership and service.

Honoring Excellence, Leadership, and Service

One by one, inductees were welcomed to the stage to receive their certificates, honor cords, and society pins. Each recognition marked years of scholarship, research, creative work, teaching, and service.

Inductees receive their honor cords from Dr. Brachfeld during the ceremony.

The audience erupts in applause as fellow inductees walk across the stage.

The People Behind the Achievement: Family & Friends

Graduate education rarely happens alone. Throughout the evening, family members, partners, and close friends filled the room with warmth and pride — a reminder that behind every inductee stands a support system cheering them on.

Proud families capture memories to celebrate their graduates’ accomplishments.

Smiles all around as family joins in the celebration.

Many inductees celebrated the milestone with family, including students like Anthony Palmisano — whose mother is also an AEL member.

A Community of Scholars

During the reception, new inductees connected with peers and faculty from across disciplines. Conversations, photos, and laughter filled the room as students celebrated one another’s achievements and reflected on the work that brought them here.

Inductees reconnected with classmates during the reception to celebrate this shared milestone.

Joy and camaraderie filled the room as students reflected on their journey to induction.

Event organizers — Victoria Speiser, Deborah Reynoso, and Dr. Stefanie Brachfeld — pause for a celebratory moment on stage.

Interested in Joining AEL?

If you’re inspired by the scholars featured here, you may be eligible to pursue membership in the future. Learn more about AEL membership criteria.

Graduate Student Spotlight: Dina Marie Leotsakas

speara — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:15:02 +0000

Graduate Student Spotlight

Meet Dina Marie Leotsakas

MBA graduate, AEL President, and nonprofit co-founder.

When it comes to perseverance, few embody it quite like Dina Marie Leotsakas. As a proud �鶹��ý�� alumna, Dina has earned her MBA with dual concentrations in Digital Marketing and Business Analytics, completed a Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing, and is now finishing her final course for the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics. But that’s just the beginning. She’s also leading the charge as President of �鶹��ý��’s Alpha Epsilon Lambda chapter, and is co-founder of the nonprofit animal welfare organization A Great Set of Paws. Despite the obstacles along the way, including serious health challenges, Dina refused to let anything stop her.

1. Talk to me about your graduate program(s). What inspired you to pursue them?

It has always been a personal goal of mine to pursue and achieve my MBA. I never imagined I would be completing a double concentration, and it still feels surreal to have earned my MBA with concentrations in Digital Marketing and Business Analytics.

I initially planned to begin my MBA right after my undergraduate studies, but before starting the program in 2018, I became very ill and faced serious health challenges. After my last open-heart surgery, I felt ready to take the next step and began my MBA journey during my recovery. Two and a half years later, I proudly completed my MBA, along with the Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing, and I’m set to finish the final course for my Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics in April 2026.

Following graduation, I was truly honored to be elected President of Alpha Epsilon Lambda’s Alpha Kappa Chapter here at �鶹��ý��. It’s been such a privilege to stay connected and involved in the university community beyond being a graduate student and lifetime member of AEL.

2. What drew you to �鶹��ý�� for your graduate studies?

�鶹��ý�� has always felt like home to me. I completed my undergraduate degree here, and the faculty, community, and overall environment have had such a positive impact on my academic and personal growth. When it came time to pursue my MBA, there was no question that I wanted to continue at the university that has given me so much support and opportunity.

Dina celebrates her induction into Alpha Epsilon Lambda, �鶹��ý��’s graduate honor society.

3. What has been the most rewarding part of your graduate school experience so far?

The most rewarding part of my graduate experience has been the relationships I’ve built — the friendships, the sense of community, and the support among peers. The MBA program is fast-paced and challenging, especially in the online format, but the collaboration, knowledge sharing, and hands-on learning have made it incredibly fulfilling.

The professors I’ve met and who have instructed my courses throughout the MBA program have also truly elevated my graduate experience. Their mentorship, encouragement, and expertise have made a lasting impact, and I still stay in touch and exchange messages with some of them on a weekly basis.

4. What does a typical day in your life look like — or what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you outside of school?

Outside of academics, I’m honored to serve as AEL President, which allows me to continue giving back to the �鶹��ý�� graduate community.

I’m also the co-founder of a nonprofit animal welfare organization called A Great Set of Paws, which my best friend and I started during my MBA program. We hosted our first large-scale fundraiser and vendor event in June 2024, partnering with the Animal Cancer Foundation, and later collaborated with Stop & Shop in Wayne, NJ. All proceeds from reusable bag purchases in July 2024 were donated to help animals in need. We’re now planning our second event — a fundraiser, adoption day, and vendor fair — at the grand opening of Paw Couture Pet Grooming and Bakery in Totowa on November 2, 2025.

Dina is an animal lover at heart and the proud parent of two cats, Oreo and Sox.

5. Do you have a fun fact, hobby, or interest you’d like to share?

I’m an avid kayaker, and during my MBA program, I founded an affiliate website called , which provides trusted product reviews and transport solutions for fellow kayakers. My slogan is “Made for Kayakers, by a Fellow Kayaker.”

I also enjoy building websites and helping businesses grow their online presence — I recently began creating an official business website for Paw Couture Pet Grooming and Bakery, as their second location will be opening this November.

Outside of my professional interests, I’m very active in my community. I volunteer and help run events for the Garfield Fire Department, where my partner, Andre, serves as a volunteer firefighter, and I also coach cheerleading at Garfield High School. Working with the students and watching them grow in confidence and teamwork has been such a rewarding experience.

6. What does being a member — and now president — of AEL mean to you?

Being inducted into AEL was an incredible honor, but being elected President has been even more meaningful. It represents academic excellence, leadership, and service — values that align with everything I strive for.

I’m passionate about expanding AEL’s presence by building its social media visibility, making events more inclusive and accessible to all graduate students, and encouraging members to stay engaged and involved beyond induction. I’m especially excited for our upcoming Induction Ceremony this November, where we’ll celebrate new members who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.

7. What motivated you to take on a leadership role within AEL?

I wanted to give back to a community that has been such a meaningful part of my graduate experience. Serving as President allows me to help elevate AEL’s visibility on campus, support member engagement, and contribute to the broader graduate community at �鶹��ý��. I’m motivated by the opportunity to continue AEL’s legacy of recognizing and empowering graduate excellence.

For Dina, being supported by her family and friends at her AEL Induction was one of the most meaningful moments of her graduate experience.

8. How do you hope to make an impact through your work with AEL this year?

My goal is to grow awareness of AEL among graduate students who embody academic excellence and leadership potential, and to make involvement more accessible through initiatives like enhanced social media outreach and virtual guest speaker events. I also hope to implement an AEL Member Spotlight to showcase our outstanding members and create lasting opportunities for engagement beyond their time in the program.

9. How do you balance your coursework, leadership responsibilities, and personal life?

For me, it all comes down to time management, passion, and purpose. I give 100% to every commitment I take on, whether it’s coursework, leadership responsibilities, or personal life. There are definitely busy moments, but when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work — it feels like growth. Everything I’m involved in represents a part of who I am and what I value, and that keeps me motivated and fulfilled.

Dina still finds time in her schedule to celebrate milestones in her personal life, including her 30th birthday.

10. What advice would you give to other graduate students looking to get more involved on campus?

Take advantage of the opportunities �鶹��ý�� offers — there are so many ways to connect, collaborate, and make an impact. Whether through honor societies, student organizations, or leadership roles, getting involved allows you to build relationships, strengthen your professional network, and make your graduate experience even more meaningful.

11. What are your goals after graduation?

My immediate goal is to complete my final course for the Graduate Business Analytics Certificate by April 2026. I’m also looking forward to celebrating our AEL Induction Ceremony in November and continuing to grow A Great Set of Paws through our next major event. Beyond that, I’m excited to embrace new experiences and opportunities — both professionally and personally. I feel so grateful for how far I’ve come, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Dina will officially walk at �鶹��ý��’s January 2026 commencement ceremony. It marks not just the completion of her studies, but the continuation of a story defined by conviction and perseverance.

Nominate a grad for a future spotlight

Graduate Alumni Spotlight: Amanda Moctezuma Barbosa, MS

speara — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 13:00:05 +0000

Graduate Alumni Spotlight

Meet Amanda Moctezuma Barbosa, MS

From �鶹��ý�� to the global stage: Cybersecurity alumna and emerging researcher.

When Amanda Moctezuma Barbosa began her journey at �鶹��ý�� as a Computer Science undergraduate, she never imagined it would lead her all the way to an international stage in Paris. Today, just a few years later, Amanda is not only an alumna and staff member in �鶹��ý��’s Graduate Admissions Office — she’s also an emerging researcher whose work will soon be shared with experts from around the world.

Amanda shares how she secured a graduate assistantship to cover the cost of her tuition.

Building Her Future at �鶹��ý��

Amanda’s achievement is the latest milestone in a journey defined by curiosity, perseverance, and growth — all rooted here at �鶹��ý��. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, she continued on to pursue a Master of Science in Cybersecurity, diving deeper into the world of digital defense and threat intelligence.

While completing her degree, Amanda worked as a Graduate Assistant at The Graduate School, supporting doctoral candidates through research, writing, and milestone submissions. She also served as a Graduate Services Representative, helping prospective students navigate the admissions process with care and precision.

Today, Amanda is part of the �鶹��ý�� team full-time as a Graduate Enrollment Generalist, managing application data integrity, improving backend systems, and guiding students through their academic journeys. Her deep understanding of the graduate student experience — first as a student herself, then as a GA, and now as a professional — gives her a unique perspective on how to support others on their path to success.

Amanda speaks on a graduate student panel at new student orientation.

From Red Hawk Roots to the Global Stage

Amanda’s paper, “Defenses in Cybersecurity Through Threat Intelligence Approaches,” has been accepted at the 12th International Symposium on Networks, Computers and Communications (ISNCC’25). Hosted at ESIEE Paris – University Gustave Eiffel and sponsored by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the IEEE Communications Society, the conference brings together leading voices on cybersecurity, computing technologies, and the future of the internet.

Her research will be published in the conference proceedings and submitted to the IEEE Xplore Digital Library, placing her work among some of the most respected publications in the field.

Amanda poses with her team at Homecoming 2025.

Taking �鶹��ý�� Global

Amanda’s upcoming presentation in Paris is not only a personal achievement — it’s also a proud moment for the �鶹��ý�� community. Her work explores how organizations can integrate cyber threat intelligence into the post-incident response process, strengthening defenses and improving resilience against increasingly complex cyberattacks.

It’s research with real-world implications, and Amanda is eager to share it with an international audience of researchers, engineers, and students. Her story is a powerful reminder that graduate education is more than just coursework — it’s a launchpad.

“I didn’t even expect to make it this far. I never thought I’d actually get selected. At first, it was just a submission for fun — a ‘you never know’ kind of thing. Then I got the email saying ‘congratulations,’ and I was like, guess I’m going to Paris now! Honestly, I didn’t even want to go at first because it felt scary to travel alone, but my family is coming with me, so it doesn’t seem as scary anymore.”

— Amanda Moctezuma Barbosa

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Graduate Student Spotlight: Tahina Gonzalez

speara — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 13:00:42 +0000

Graduate Student Spotlight

Meet Tahina Gonzalez

First-gen trailblazer, MSW candidate, and graduate assistant.

If there’s one thing you should know about Tahina Gonzalez, it’s that she never sits still for long. A proud first-generation student from Paterson and now a Master of Social Work candidate at �鶹��ý��, Tahina thrives on connection, community, and creating spaces where others feel supported — values that have shaped every step of her journey.

Tahina celebrates earning her bachelor’s degree as a first-generation college graduate.

From Involvement to Impact

Tahina’s �鶹��ý�� story began as an undergraduate in Justice Studies with a minor in Psychology. She made the most of her time here; interning at Deirdre’s House Child Advocacy Center in Morristown, NJ, serving as a tour guide and orientation leader, finding community through Sigma Sigma Sigma National Sorority and connecting with her culture through clubs like the Latin American Student Organization (LASO). All this while commuting from Paterson – a testament to her drive and time management.

Tahina leads a campus tour for prospective undergraduate students.

Now, as a graduate student, Tahina is building on that foundation with a focus on school social work. She’s completing her practicum at iLearn Schools, where she supports students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being through check-ins, interventions, and connecting families with resources. And on campus, she’s a Graduate Assistant for First-Generation Initiatives in the Office of Student Belonging, mentoring fellow first-gen students and helping them get involved and thrive. This fall, her team hosted the First-Gen Block Party, a huge success that brought students together to celebrate identity, community, and pride.

Tahina and colleagues celebrate first-gen pride and community at the annual Block Party.

Giving Back While Moving Forward

As the oldest sibling and self-described “mom” of her friend group, Tahina is the go-to confidant, therapist, and cheerleader for those around her. That same instinct shows up in her professional life too—whether she’s guiding first-gen students toward success or working one-on-one with young people in schools, she leads with empathy and purpose.

Tahina is looking forward to building new connections this semester.

What excites her most about graduate school so far is the chance to form deeper connections, especially with faculty. “The smaller cohort size makes it easier to build real relationships,” she shared. “Several of my professors have taken time to get to know us personally and mentor us, which makes a huge difference.”

It’s no surprise that Tahina’s generosity of spirit extends beyond campus, too. Her little sister is now planning to follow in her footsteps and attend college, proof that Tahina’s path is inspiring others in her own family and community.

Tahina is lovingly referred to as the “mom” of her friend group.

Tahina was one of the winners of our Graduate Assistant Orientation survey this fall, earning $100 in Red Hawk Dollars for sharing her feedback. Your voice matters too—watch for more surveys throughout the year and you could be next on our winners list!

Nominate a grad for a future spotlight

Grad News for You: September 2025

speara — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:00:02 +0000

This is a copy of the newsletter sent on September 11, 2025. It is distributed to all graduate students. If you would like to receive future editions as well,

New Semester, New Possibilities

September signals a fresh start… new semester, new classes, new goals and lots of opportunities. But let’s be honest, it can also feel overwhelming to juggle it all.

Graduate students wear many hats: researcher, professional, parent, scientist, teacher, creator. This monthly newsletter is here to simplify things. Inside you’ll find updates, opportunities, deadlines and resources all in one place.

Have thoughts on other ways we can support you?

What’s Inside

Viewing on a laptop? Click the links to jump down!

Important Dates
Orientation Highlights
Graduate Honor Society
Upcoming Events
Share Your News With Us
Writing & Academic Support
More Student Resources
Meet Your Grad Support Team

Important Dates

Graduate school moves fast, make sure you’re on track! Key dates coming up include:

Monday, September 15: Deadline to Waive or Purchase University Health Insurance.
Monday, September 15: Suggested Deadline for Doc Students to Apply for Winter 2026 Graduation.
Thursday, September 25: Last Day to Withdraw from Session A (Full Semester) at 50% Refund.
Tuesday, September 30: Last Day to Enroll in a 4-Month Payment Plan for Fall 2025.
Monday, October 6: Last Day to Withdraw from Session B.
Wednesday, October 15: Final Deadline to Apply for Winter 2026 Graduation.

View the Academic Calendar and all Important Dates.

Orientation Highlights

Graduate Student Orientation marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our incoming students. The event celebrated our newest Red Hawks while connecting them with peers, campus partners and resources designed to support their success this semester and beyond. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

Missed it?

Alpha Epsilon Lambda (Graduate Honor Society)

AEL recognizes and celebrates academic excellence and leadership among graduate students. Membership offers a chance to connect with fellow scholars, build your CV, and engage in service projects.

Learn more about AEL.

Upcoming Events

Homecoming: Saturday, September 27, 12–9 p.m., �鶹��ý�� Campus.
Graduate and Health Professions Fair: Wednesday, Oct 1 | 1–4 p.m., University Hall, 7th Floor Conference Center.
Exploring the New EBSCO User Interface: Friday, September 12, 11–11:45 a.m., Online.
Research Time Management: Monday, September 15, 3:30–4:15 p.m., Online.
Building Your Skills with Big Interview: Tuesday, September 16, 1–2 p.m., Online.
Prudential Financial: Effective Communication in the Workplace: Tuesday, September 16, 2–3 p.m., Online.
S.T.A.R.T. Calendar Magic: Making Time Work for You: Tuesday, September 16, 2–3 p.m., Online.
Library 101: Graduate Edition: Tuesday, September 16, 4–4:40 p.m., Online.
CX by Design: Creating Experiences That Build Lasting Relationships: Thursday, September 18, 6–8 p.m., School of Business, Room 140.
Exploring the New EBSCO User Interface: Thursday, September 18, 11–11:45 a.m., Online.
Discover Your Topic: Tools and Strategies: Friday, September 19, 1–1:45 p.m., Sprague Library, Room 203.
Exploring the New EBSCO User Interface: Tuesday, September 23, 10–10:45 a.m., Online.
Discover your Career Path with Skillful.ly: Tuesday, September 23, 1–2 p.m., Online.
Safe Space Training: Tuesday, September 23, 2–5 p.m., Student Center, Room 419.
Getting Started with Endnote: Tuesday, September 23, 4–5 p.m., Online.
Database Research Strategies and Advanced Search Tips: Wednesday, September 24, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Sprague Library, Room 203.
Research Time Management: Thursday, September 25, 10–10:45 a.m., Online.
Library 101: Graduate Edition: Thursday, September 25, 4–4:40 p.m., Online.
Discover Your Topic: Tools and Strategies: Monday, September 29, 12–12:45 p.m., Sprague Library, Room 110.
The Resume Refresh: Tuesday, September 30, 1–2 p.m., Online.
Getting Started with Zotero: Tuesday, September 30, 7–8 p.m., Online.

Did You Know? Every Monday at 12 p.m., The Office of Health Promotion hosts a free online Mindfulness Meditation session.

Find more Events for Graduate Students.

Have news to celebrate? Share your publication, award or milestone so we can feature it in our newsletters and across our channels. Your success inspires the whole grad community, let’s share it!

Send your wins to tgsmarketing@montclair.edu.

Writing & Academic Support

Graduate-level writing can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Center for Writing Excellence (CWE): One-on-one consultations to strengthen any paper, presentation or project.
Dissertation & Thesis Writing Support: Professor Michele McCormick offers writing support and coaching.
Center for Academic Success & Tutoring (CAST): Free tutoring and academic coaching.
University Libraries: Expert research support, including help with databases and citations.

More Student Resources

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
Disability Resource Center (DRC)
Health Promotion Office
Red Hawk Pantry
Rocky’s Closet
And Many More!

Explore more Free Campus Resources for Grads.

Meet Your Graduate School Support Team

The Graduate School is here to support you throughout your graduate studies, from day one to graduation. We’re open Monday–Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: NURS (The School of Nursing / The Graduate School), 4th Floor
Phone: 973-655-5205
Email: gradstudentservices@montclair.edu
Social Media:

Looking for more specific support? Here’s a quick guide to who you can reach out to:

Academic standing and AEL → Victoria Speiser, speiserv@montclair.edu
Academic success → Deborah Reynoso, reynosod@montclair.edu
Graduate assistantships → Arthur Carlson, carlsona@montclair.edu
Communications → Alexa Rose Spear, speara@montclair.edu
Dissertation review → docstudy@montclair.edu
Thesis review → thesisinquiry@montclair.edu

View our full Staff Directory.

Graduate School News – The Graduate School

Celebrating Graduate Excellence: Inside the Alpha Epsilon Lambda Induction Ceremony

A Night of Recognition and Inspiration

Faculty and Mentors at the Heart of the Celebration

Honoring the Chapter’s Legacy

Student Leadership in Action

Honoring Excellence, Leadership, and Service

The People Behind the Achievement: Family & Friends

A Community of Scholars

Interested in Joining AEL?

Graduate Student Spotlight: Dina Marie Leotsakas

Meet Dina Marie Leotsakas

1. Talk to me about your graduate program(s). What inspired you to pursue them?

2. What drew you to �鶹��ý���� for your graduate studies?

3. What has been the most rewarding part of your graduate school experience so far?

4. What does a typical day in your life look like — or what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you outside of school?

5. Do you have a fun fact, hobby, or interest you’d like to share?

6. What does being a member — and now president — of AEL mean to you?

7. What motivated you to take on a leadership role within AEL?

8. How do you hope to make an impact through your work with AEL this year?

9. How do you balance your coursework, leadership responsibilities, and personal life?

10. What advice would you give to other graduate students looking to get more involved on campus?

11. What are your goals after graduation?

Graduate Alumni Spotlight: Amanda Moctezuma Barbosa, MS

Meet Amanda Moctezuma Barbosa, MS

Building Her Future at �鶹��ý����

From Red Hawk Roots to the Global Stage

Taking �鶹��ý���� Global

Graduate Student Spotlight: Tahina Gonzalez

Meet Tahina Gonzalez

From Involvement to Impact

Giving Back While Moving Forward

Grad News for You: September 2025

New Semester, New Possibilities

What’s Inside

Important Dates

Orientation Highlights

Alpha Epsilon Lambda (Graduate Honor Society)

Upcoming Events

Share Your News With Us

Writing & Academic Support

More Student Resources

Meet Your Graduate School Support Team

2. What drew you to �鶹��ý�� for your graduate studies?

Building Her Future at �鶹��ý��

Taking �鶹��ý�� Global