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Ready to make meaningful progress on your dissertation this summer?

The UL Lafayette Graduate School’s Dissertation Boot Camps provide advanced doctoral students with dedicated writing time, individualized support, and a focused environment to move their work forward.

Two sessions are available:
June 15–18, 2026
July 6–9, 2026

Sessions run Monday through Thursday: Monday to Wednesday (8:00 AM–4:00 PM, breakfast and lunch provided) and Thursday (8:00 AM–12:00 PM, breakfast provided).

Space is limited, and participants must commit to attending all four days.

Register today - https://louisiana.edu/graduateschool/resource-hub/writing-support/dissertation-boot-camp

Had to turn up the heat, so we went three degrees hotter 🔥🔥🔥

#doctoralia #phd #phdlife #ullafayette #louisiana @ulgradschool

Congratulations to Dr. David Perkins, Grand Marshal of the Arts / Liberal Arts/ University College Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony

Dr. David “Rick” Perkins, Associate Professor of Psychology and Licensed Clinical Psychologist, has dedicated more than 25 years of service to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as an educator, scholar, and mentor. He joined the University after earning his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of New Mexico in 2001.

Throughout his career, Dr. Perkins has created engaging and intellectually challenging learning environments where students are encouraged to think critically, reflect deeply, and learn from one another. He has had an especially profound impact on graduate education through his mentorship of master’s students, helping them develop the confidence, skills, and scholarly voice needed to succeed in research and academic life.

Through the Analysis of Human Experience Lab as well as the Music Lab, which he co-directs, Dr. Perkins has fostered collaborative spaces where students learn not only to conduct research, but also to think, write, listen, and engage as scholars. His commitment to mentorship extends beyond the University through community-focused initiatives, including the New Beginnings group and his work with the Family Tree Counseling Center.

Dr. Perkins is wearing a special medallion struck in honor of his role as Grand Marshal. Rick, thank you for the knowledge, kindness, and encouragement you have shared so generously with our students, colleagues, and community. Your mentorship and humanity have left a lasting mark on UL Lafayette and beyond. @ulcola @ulpsychology

Congratulations to Dr. Durga D. Poudel, Grand Marshal of the Spring 2026 Engineering/Sciences commencement ceremony.

Dr. Durga D. Poudel, Professor Emeritus of Geosciences, has dedicated 26 years of service to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He joined the University in 2000 as an assistant professor and Director of Agricultural Auxiliary Units in the Department of Renewable Resources after earning his Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Georgia.

Throughout his career at UL Lafayette, Dr. Poudel has played a pivotal role in advancing interdisciplinary environmental research and teaching. He was especially instrumental in the creation of the Master of Science program in Environmental Resource Science, serving as its founding graduate coordinator. He also mentors doctoral students in the University’s Ph.D. program in Earth and Energy Sciences.

An internationally recognized scholar in soil science, water quality, and environmental stewardship, Dr. Poudel’s work advances environmental sustainability and sustainable economic development. He has authored numerous publications and, since 2020, has served as Associate Editor of Strategic Planning for Energy and the Environment. He is also the founding president of the Asta-Ja Research and Development Center in Kathmandu, Nepal, and Asta-Ja USA, organizations dedicated to sustainable and resilient community development.

Dr. Poudel is wearing a special medallion struck in honor of his role as Grand Marshal. Durga, thank you for the wisdom, generosity, and global perspective you have shared with generations of students and colleagues. Your scholarship, mentorship, and commitment to environmental stewardship have left a lasting mark on UL Lafayette and far beyond. @ulgeosciences

Congratulations to Dr. Deedra H. Harrington, Grand Marshal of the Education & Human Development / Nursing & Health Sciences
Commencement Ceremony Spring 2026 commencement ceremony.

Dr. Deedra H. Harrington, Professor and Director of the LHC Group • Myers School of Nursing, has dedicated more than two decades of service to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as an educator, scholar, clinician, and mentor. She joined the University in 2005 and currently holds the Adrian Vega/BORSF Endowed Professorship in Nursing.

A board-certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Harrington has combined academic leadership with active clinical practice throughout her career.

Dr. Harrington teaches and mentors students across undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral nursing programs, guiding future nurses and nurse practitioners while supporting nursing workforce development across Louisiana. Her scholarship focuses on cardiovascular care, clinical practice improvement, and innovative approaches to nursing education, and she has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in these areas.

Her outstanding contributions to teaching and nursing education have earned statewide and national recognition, including the University’s Ray P. Authement Excellence in Teaching Award, the Louisiana Nurses Foundation Nurse Educator of the Year Award, and induction as a Fellow in the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Leadership in Academic Nursing Program.

Dr. Harrington is wearing a special medallion struck in honor of her role as Grand Marshal. Deedra, thank you for the compassion, leadership, and dedication you have shared with generations of nursing students and colleagues. Your commitment to excellence in nursing education and patient care has made a lasting difference at UL Lafayette and beyond. @ulnursing.healthsciences

Before crossing the stage, our doctoral graduates shared words of wisdom for current and future scholars.

Watch for advice and encouragement from the Doctoral Class of 2026. 🤟

Thursday evening, May 14, we proudly celebrate the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s newest doctoral graduates at the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony in Bayou Bijou.

The hooding ceremony is an academic tradition that marks the culmination of years of research, scholarship, and perseverance. During the ceremony, each graduate is presented with their doctoral hood, a symbol of their achievement and their official welcome into the community of scholars.

Congratulations to the doctoral candidates who will cross this milestone tomorrow. We look forward to honoring your accomplishments!

Congratulations to Madeline Moore, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s overall Outstanding Master’s Graduate for the Spring 2026 semester! Moore is pursuing a master’s degree in environmental research science through the School of Geosciences in the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences.

Graduate programs nominate students based on leadership, scholarship, service and research. Finalists are selected through a Graduate School review process before an Alumni Association committee interviews candidates and chooses one overall Outstanding Master’s Graduate.

We’re also proud to recognize this semester’s Outstanding Master’s Graduate finalists:
• Michael DeJean — Department of English, College of Liberal Arts
• Braden Doucet — School of Biological Sciences, Ray P. Authement College of Sciences
• Steven Guillory — School of Music, College of the Arts
• Lauren Edwards — Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts

We celebrate these remarkable students and all they have accomplished during their time at UL Lafayette! #RaginGrads

#ULLafayette #Louisiana

Congratulations to Madeline Moore, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s overall Outstanding Master’s Graduate for the Spring 2026 semester! Moore is pursuing a master’s degree in environmental research science through the School of Geosciences in the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences.

Graduate programs nominate students based on leadership, scholarship, service and research. Finalists are selected through a Graduate School review process before an Alumni Association committee interviews candidates and chooses one overall Outstanding Master’s Graduate.

We’re also proud to recognize this semester’s Outstanding Master’s Graduate finalists:
• Michael DeJean — Department of English, College of Liberal Arts
• Braden Doucet — School of Biological Sciences, Ray P. Authement College of Sciences
• Steven Guillory — School of Music, College of the Arts
• Lauren Edwards — Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts

We celebrate these remarkable students and all they have accomplished during their time at UL Lafayette! #RaginGrads

#ULLafayette #Louisiana

Congratulations to Madeline Moore, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s overall Outstanding Master’s Graduate for the Spring 2026 semester! Moore is pursuing a master’s degree in environmental research science through the School of Geosciences in the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences.

Graduate programs nominate students based on leadership, scholarship, service and research. Finalists are selected through a Graduate School review process before an Alumni Association committee interviews candidates and chooses one overall Outstanding Master’s Graduate.

We’re also proud to recognize this semester’s Outstanding Master’s Graduate finalists:
• Michael DeJean — Department of English, College of Liberal Arts
• Braden Doucet — School of Biological Sciences, Ray P. Authement College of Sciences
• Steven Guillory — School of Music, College of the Arts
• Lauren Edwards — Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts

We celebrate these remarkable students and all they have accomplished during their time at UL Lafayette! #RaginGrads

#ULLafayette #Louisiana

Congratulations to Madeline Moore, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s overall Outstanding Master’s Graduate for the Spring 2026 semester! Moore is pursuing a master’s degree in environmental research science through the School of Geosciences in the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences.

Graduate programs nominate students based on leadership, scholarship, service and research. Finalists are selected through a Graduate School review process before an Alumni Association committee interviews candidates and chooses one overall Outstanding Master’s Graduate.

We’re also proud to recognize this semester’s Outstanding Master’s Graduate finalists:
• Michael DeJean — Department of English, College of Liberal Arts
• Braden Doucet — School of Biological Sciences, Ray P. Authement College of Sciences
• Steven Guillory — School of Music, College of the Arts
• Lauren Edwards — Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts

We celebrate these remarkable students and all they have accomplished during their time at UL Lafayette! #RaginGrads

#ULLafayette #Louisiana

Congratulations to Madeline Moore, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s overall Outstanding Master’s Graduate for the Spring 2026 semester! Moore is pursuing a master’s degree in environmental research science through the School of Geosciences in the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences.

Graduate programs nominate students based on leadership, scholarship, service and research. Finalists are selected through a Graduate School review process before an Alumni Association committee interviews candidates and chooses one overall Outstanding Master’s Graduate.

We’re also proud to recognize this semester’s Outstanding Master’s Graduate finalists:
• Michael DeJean — Department of English, College of Liberal Arts
• Braden Doucet — School of Biological Sciences, Ray P. Authement College of Sciences
• Steven Guillory — School of Music, College of the Arts
• Lauren Edwards — Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts

We celebrate these remarkable students and all they have accomplished during their time at UL Lafayette! #RaginGrads

#ULLafayette #Louisiana

Meet Dr. Precious Batubo, a graduate in the Earth and Energy Sciences Ph.D. program whose research explores the distribution and origin of pitted mounds on Mars.

This week, Precious is taking over our Instagram Stories to share a behind-the-scenes look at her journey to the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony and Commencement; from final preparations to the moment she crosses the stage.

Follow along as she reflects on her graduate experience and celebrates this incredible milestone.

@ulsgasciences @ul.sps

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our graduate student moms. We know the strength and dedication it takes every day to show up for your family and your academic goals. We hope the day brings you appreciation and relaxation.

During Teacher Appreciation Week, we frequently think of the teachers who molded us during our formative school years — but this week, we also want to recognize the professors and graduate faculty who continue to guide and support our graduate students every day.

Late-night emails, research guidance, encouragement through life’s busiest seasons — your dedication makes a lasting impact. Thank you for investing your time, knowledge, and care into the students of the UL Lafayette Graduate School.