Robert A. Robinson is a physics graduate student studying high-entropy and thermoelectric materials. Robinson is also the current Vice President and Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) Liaison of the Physics Graduate Student Association (PGSA) and the Speaker of the Assembly and Delegate for the Eberly College of Science in GPSA. Previously, he served as the PGSA President from 2022 to 2024.
Q: What has been a favorite experience in PGSA?
RAR: I have enjoyed being able to help facilitate a meaningful and productive dialogue between graduate students and the physics department. Our board game nights have also been lots of fun!
Q: You are also involved in GPSA, what has been a favorite moment in that role?
RAR: It’s hard to pick just one. I have appreciated the opportunity to work with the Graduate School and the Office of Graduate Educational Equity Programs to try and make real changes to improve the quality of life of graduate students at Penn State. As Speaker of the Assembly, I have also enjoyed helping to run the GPSA assembly meetings, being able to facilitate discussions on how GPSA can best serve the graduate student body. Having the chance to get to know graduate students across all the colleges at Penn State during our annual cookout and winter galas has also been a highlight of my time in GPSA.
Q: What advice do you have to share with anyone interested in graduate leadership?
RAR: Just get involved. No one comes into this being an expert, I certainly didn’t. Take the first step, and you’ll find many people who are equally passionate about doing good work who will be happy to help you learn and work together to make Penn State a better place.
Beyond taking the first step to get involved, be humble and listen to what others have to say and their advice. Communicating and collaborating in leadership, especially at the university level, can be very different than it is in your field or research. It will take time to learn, and mistakes will happen. That’s ok. Just stick with it and be genuine and these skills will serve you well.
Q: What is the most important lesson that you will take with you from your time at Penn State? Why was it especially important to you?
RAR: Out of everything, I think the most important lesson has been how to communicate, work with, and lead groups across a wide range of backgrounds. More than any specific course or experiment, the ability to understand and be understood will be vital in my professional life and beyond regardless of what path my career may take.