Q&A with Eberly GPSA Delegate and Math GSA Treasurer Nick Payne

Nick Payne, a mathematics graduate student, studies hyperbolic conservation laws. He also serves as an Eberly delegate and member of the Advocacy and Diversity Committee for the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA). Additionally, Payne is the treasurer and Eberly Climate and Diversity Committee liaison for the Mathematics Graduate Student Association (Math GSA).

Q: What has been a favorite experience as a GPSA Eberly delegate?

NP: The Physics GSA hosted a movie night in January at The State Theatre, which was sponsored by GPSA and several of the Eberly GSAs. With many graduate students from different departments in attendance, it was a great networking event and a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Q: What advice do you have for anyone interested in joining GPSA, and how can people learn about upcoming events?

NP: While some of your time as a delegate will be spent at assembly meetings voting on bills and resolutions, don't be surprised if much of your time is spent interacting behind the scenes with people. Graduate students in your college are likely to reach out to request help writing co-sponsorship requests and ask for advice on departmental issues. Thankfully, you do not have to handle these requests alone – there are many knowledgeable people within GPSA.

To learn about upcoming events be sure to follow @pennstategpsa on Instagram and X. If any graduate student wants to contact a GPSA member with questions or concerns, the contact information for all of the Eberly delegates can be found here. Feel free to reach out!

Q: What are some of the Math GSA events that students can look forward to?

NP: Math GSA hosts a barbecue each semester at one of the local parks. This is one of our highest-turnout events and a fantastic way to start or end the academic year. In addition, Math GSA sponsors a “Short Talks” competition each semester, where undergraduate students have up to eight minutes to present their research. The presentations are judged by the audience, including graduate students.

Q: What advice do you have to share with anyone interested in joining their department’s GSA?

NP: The members of a GSA hear about many different issues affecting graduate students in their department, and determining which of these issues to prioritize can be difficult. However, connecting with other graduate student groups outside of your department is useful. Often, the issues your GSA is dealing with aren't unique, and learning about different approaches other groups take can be incredibly helpful.

Q: What is the most important lesson that you will take with you from your time at Penn State? 

NP: Networking isn't just for research. While meeting people in your department and research area is important, so is getting involved with non-academic groups and meeting others outside of your field. I struggled with choosing a research topic and advisor, but getting fresh perspectives from people not in math has been incredibly beneficial— much more so than I expected when starting my Ph.D.