About WGSS graduate programs
WGSS graduate students complete curriculum in feminist inquiry, pedagogy and methods, and engage in WGSS elective courses on topics such as feminism television studies, Black feminisms in theory and praxis, and racial capitalism, in addition to coursework in many interdisciplinary fields. The curriculum supports our students’ development as they explore a wide range of research interests, such as Black feminisms, sex work politics, reproductive justice and sexual and gender-based violence. Students are completing their research in the U.S., Taiwan, Peru, Brazil, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Their scholarly work is far-reaching and extends the goals, mission and impact of our department to local and global communities.
New director of graduate studies
In autumn 2025, we welcomed Dr. Joyce Chen as she began a 2-year term as director of graduate studies in WGSS. When reflecting on her first year in the role, Joyce noted:
“I am excited to continue in my second year as director of graduate studies for WGSS. Recognition for the quality of our program, our faculty, our staff and, of course, our students continues to grow! At the same time, we strive to continue evolving so that our graduates are prepared for the ever-changing range of job market demands. Please reach out with any suggestions for how we can keep improving and growing our program!”
Intersections
Intersections is a graduate student organization for WGSS graduate students to build community and provide opportunities for support and professional development. This past academic year Intersections held a few social events for graduate students to socialize and build community. They love going to The Bottle Shop! Given recent changes in the higher education landscape, they spent some time learning together about their rights as graduate students and instructors and developed strategies for navigating a new sociopolitical landscape. They also identified some areas that graduate students would appreciate more support and look forward to creating resources for graduate students this coming academic year, particularly around research, teaching and various program milestones.
Bagel Connection
In spring 2025, the department began Bagel Connection on Wednesday mornings. It was an opportunity for graduate students to enjoy bagels (of course!) and coffee, while connecting in a casual space and faculty popping by for an occasional visit. We look forward to continuing a similar opportunity to build community among students, faculty, and staff during the next academic year.
COSI After Dark: The Science of Sex
The department’s Feminist Sex Education program hosted a table at COSI After Dark: The Science of Sex in February 2025. WGSS graduate students Maya Wadhwa, Emoni Harmon and Thaís Lopez-Espinoza, engaged participants in a Jeopardy-style game on sexual education topics. The COSI event sold out, and their table was very well received, as people and couples lined up to test their sex education knowledge. It was a lot of fun for facilitators and participants alike and a great way to make the community aware of the group’s work.
Celebrating our 2025 graduates
Meet some of the recent graduates who have completed their studies this year. Learn more about their plans for the future below.
Robin Cremins, PhD
- Robin is joining the University of Missouri-Kansas City this fall as an assistant professor in race, ethnic, and gender studies.
Ashley Davis, MA
- In late summer, Ashley began a new role as a Customer Support Specialist at the Columbus branch of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities.
Kayley DeLong, PhD
- Kayley joined our WGSS department as a lecturer this fall.
Emoni Harmon, MA
- After graduation, Emoni was a summer fellow at Huckleberry House via the Columbus Foundation’s Summer Fellowship Program, where she developed the organization’s Safe Place program. This fall, she is beginning a year of AmeriCorps service here in Columbus with I Know I Can as a college and career guide.
Jessica Tjiu, PhD
- In fall 2025, Jessica is starting a new role as an assistant professor in ethnic studies at University of San Diego.
Maya Wadhwa, MA
- After graduation, Maya moved to Denver over the summer and began a new position at a charter school as a 10th grade ELA teacher. She is eager to apply her experience as a WGSS GTA to this new role and integrate feminist pedagogy and texts.
