Boise State’s Graduate College is investing in research-informed mentoring and advising to enhance the graduate student experience, support retention and degree completion, and align with university strategic goals. This page introduces the inaugural Graduate Mentoring & Advising Faculty Fellows, and provides an overview of the Faculty Advisory Council and Student Advisory Council, including current membership. Over time, we will add updates about the Fellows’ projects and council-driven initiatives.
Graduate Mentoring & Advising Faculty Fellows (2025-27)
Two Faculty Fellows lead and collaborate on efforts that elevate graduate mentoring and advising:
- Faculty Fellow for Faculty Development – Krishna Pakala, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering. Focus: enhancing faculty mentoring practices and professional development.
- Faculty Fellow for Student Development – Karen Viskupic, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Geosciences. Focus: student-facing initiatives that strengthen mentoring relationships and graduate student success.
What the Fellows do
Building on recommendations from the Spring 2025 Faculty Advisory Council, the Fellows partner with the Graduate College and campus collaborators to:
- Advance research-informed mentoring and advising practices
- Design and deliver faculty development opportunities
- Co-create student-facing tools, workshops, and resources
- Coordinate with advisory councils to gather perspectives and prioritize needs
Faculty Advisory Council on Graduate Mentoring & Advising (2025-2027)
Purpose
To provide faculty perspectives and guidance that inform the Graduate College’s mentoring and advising priorities, programming, and resources.
Activities
- Advise on faculty development offerings and mentoring best practices
- Review and provide feedback on mentoring tools and guidance for programs
- Surface departmental needs and promising practices
- Coordinate with the Faculty Fellow for Faculty Development
Faculty Council Membership (2025-2027)
| Name | Department | College |
|---|---|---|
| Allen, Kyle | Finance | College of Business and Economics |
| Babinkostova, Liljana | Mathematics | College of Arts and Sciences |
| Chyung, Yonnie | Educational Leadership, Research and Technology | College of Education |
| Jaques, Brian | Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering | College of Engineering |
| Morales, Serena | Teaching, Learning & Community Engagement | College of Education |
| Pakala, Krishna | Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering | College of Engineering |
| Schafer, Ellen | School of Public and Population Health | College of Health Sciences |
| Viskupic, Karen | Geosciences | College of Arts and Sciences |
Student Advisory Council on Graduate Mentoring & Advising (2025-2026)
Purpose
To center student experiences in efforts to improve graduate mentoring and advising at Boise State.
Activities
- Provide feedback on mentoring materials and events
- Serve as panelists for facilitators in workshops
- Collaborate with the Graduate College on student-focused mentoring initiatives
Student Council Membership (2025-2026)
| Name | Graduate Program | College |
|---|---|---|
| Archer, LaKell | Educational Technology EdD | College of Education |
| Boateng, Desmond | Computing PhD | College of Engineering / College of Arts and Sciences |
| Ducusin, Jasmine | Master of Public Health | College of Health Sciences |
| Dykzeul, Maggie | Accountancy MS (online) | College of Business and Economics |
| Farazin, Ashkan | Materials Science and Engineering PhD | College of Engineering |
| Gilbert-Weik, Rhiannon | Counseling MA | College of Health Sciences |
| Jones, Calvin | Biomedical Engineering PhD | College of Engineering / College of Health Sciences |
| Massee, Erin | Interdisciplinary Studies MA | College of Arts and Sciences / School of Public Service / College of Education |
| Montoto, Cindy | Curriculum and Instruction MA | College of Education |
| Morrell, James | Master of Business Administration (MBA), Online | College of Business and Economics |
| Tamang, Hari Bahadur | Master of Business Administration (MBA), Full-Time Program | College of Business and Economics |
| Wenzel, Thomas | Kinesiology MS | College of Health Sciences |
Upcoming Workshops
Excellence in Graduate Mentoring Panel: Practices That Make a Difference
When: Friday, March 6, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Bishop Barnwell Room, Student Union Building
Join past faculty and graduate student recipients of the Graduate College Excellence in Mentoring Awards as they share practical mentoring strategies that foster student success and belonging. Panelists will highlight lessons learned and inspire thoughtful mentoring practices.
The session will also discuss the nomination process for the upcoming Graduate College Excellence in Mentoring Awards, helping to strengthen Boise State’s culture of excellence in graduate mentoring.
Beyond the Checklist: Communication as the Foundation of Effective Graduate Mentorship
When: Monday, March 30, 2026 | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Farnsworth Room, Student Union Building
Helping graduate students succeed relies on more than just academic advising; it requires a commitment to high-quality mentorship, a foundation of which is effective communication. Workshop participants will explore the distinctions between advising and mentoring and complete a Communication Style Inventory to gain insights into their own mentoring “voice” and its impact on mentoring relationships. Participants will leave with knowledge of best practices in mentoring and an actionable idea for strengthening communication with their mentees.
Related Mentoring & Advising Resources
- For Students: Graduate Advising & Mentoring: What You Need to Know
- For Faculty: Graduate Advising & Mentoring: A Guide for Faculty