After five years of dedication, creativity, and leadership, Morgan Dalman is preparing to move on from her role with the NC State A2i program. As she defends her dissertation and earns her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering this spring, Morgan is embarking on a new and exciting chapter in her career. Her contributions to the A2i program have been nothing short of transformative, and as she prepares to step into new professional challenges, we want to take a moment to reflect on her impact and share her journey.
A Vital Role in A2i’s Growth
Morgan joined the A2i program as a Graduate Student Assistant (GSA), and throughout her five years, she played a critical role in the planning, execution, and evaluation of the program. Not only did she help oversee the program during a period of transition, but she also worked tirelessly to expand A2i’s reach to other institutions across the U.S. under an NSF Innovations in Graduate Education grant. Her leadership, problem-solving skills, and proactive approach have been integral to the success and growth of A2i at NC State.
Building Connections: A Favorite Memory
When reflecting on her time with A2i, Morgan highlights one of the most rewarding aspects of the program: the people. “One of my favorite things has been meeting the amazing people I’ve crossed paths with throughout this program,” she shares. The mentors, faculty, professionals, and students she’s encountered all share a commitment to supporting the success of graduate students and postdocs. Morgan’s involvement with A2i has allowed her to be part of a community centered on growth, collaboration, and mutual support—a network she will carry forward in her career.
Professional and Personal Growth
Morgan’s experience with A2i has significantly contributed to both her professional and personal development. Professionally, she has honed essential communication skills through collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders, including faculty members and industry partners. Additionally, she has cultivated strong leadership abilities, including managing substantial budgets and leading workshops and presentations. On a personal level, Morgan has gained increased confidence and developed a deep passion for supporting the success of others. As she reflects, “Seeing the impact A2i has had on students has made me more invested in helping others reach their full potential.”
Career Path
A2i has had a profound influence on her career direction. “A2i opened my eyes to career paths outside of academia that I hadn’t considered before,” she admits. Through her work with A2i, Morgan realized that professional skills like leadership, communication, and management are just as crucial as technical expertise. These experiences have sparked an interest in pursuing management and leadership in her future career, and she’s excited to continue developing these skills moving forward.
Advice for Future A2i Participants
For graduate students considering or starting in the A2i program, Morgan offers thoughtful advice:
“Be curious. A2i gives you the opportunity to learn about different career paths and make an informed decision about what you want your first career move to be.”
She encourages students to take full advantage of the program, build their networks, and remain open-minded about the possibilities ahead.
Proud Accomplishments
Morgan reflects on several highlights of her time with A2i, but two in particular stand out. First, she takes pride in leading a program that has had such a positive impact on her peers, watching students grow both personally and professionally. Second, she’s especially proud of working with academic partners to expand A2i to other institutions, spreading the program’s reach and influence. Her work with industry partners, academic partners, and students and the success of initiatives like Immersion Week and the A2i Training Institute are memories she will always cherish.
Moving Forward
As Morgan prepares to defend her dissertation and transition into a new phase of her career, the A2i team will certainly miss her leadership, insight, and enthusiasm. Her contributions have shaped the program in profound ways, and she leaves behind a legacy of excellence and dedication. We are excited about what the future holds for Morgan and look forward to seeing all the incredible things she will achieve in her next chapter.
Morgan, thank you for everything you’ve done for A2i. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
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