Julia Mortyakova recently wrote an article for Inside Higher Ed detailing the transition from "Grad Student to Professor," which she has experienced first hand. In the past Julia served as president of NAGPS, and she now serves on their advisory board. For those of you unfamiliar with NAGPS, it's the National Association of Graduate and Professional Students, an umbrella group for the GSA's on many campuses around the country. GradShare has had the opportunity to work with NAGPS over the past couple of years, and the group is filled with a number of diverse and interesting student leaders. Take Julia for instance, in addition to her role with NAGPS, she has written a book, and she is a highly accomplished pianist; check out her bio on her website where you can listen to her music and learn more. Let's check out some grad school news:

• A grad student has committed to a hunger strike in protest against the University of Alberta. He claims they discriminated against him and refused to provide him with a Ph.D. supervisor.
• Here is an interesting article explaining why the United States should ease the path to citizenship for international grad students. What are your thoughts?
• Take a look at the 2012 graduate school rankings according to US News & World Report.

Be sure to check back for more grad school news, and don't forget to follow GradShare on Twitter & Facebook!

Time to go buy hamburgers and hot dogs, and don't forget to pick up extra ice for the cooler. As the sun sets this July 4th the skies all across the United States will be illuminated, and onlookers will marvel at thunderous explosions of fireworks, all in the name of celebrating American independence. Fireworks displays have become synonymous with July 4th, but where do we get all those fireworks? According to a census website from the US government we spend an average of $190.7 million each year to import fireworks from China. Now get this, nearly 10,000 people in America go to the emergency room each year due to fireworks related accidents. Coincidence? Let the conspiracy theories start. You could say I just lit the proverbial fuse. Alright, all my bad jokes aside, let's check out some graduate school news:

• Students often wonder if they are qualified for grad school, but did you ever consider that you may be overqualified?
• Here is a list of reasons why you should go to grad school, as well as some money advice for parents that will be paying for grad school.
• Are you studying astrology or just staring at stars? Either way, Amandeep Gill gives you the run down on why she chose grad school to study astrology.

Have a fun and safe July 4th, and dont forget to check out GradShare on Facebook & Twitter!