Katie McAfee, Dual MA in Slavic and East European Studies and Public Affairs, Class of 2018

Where do you work and what is your current position?
Senior Academic Program Services Specialist in the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, which is part of the Graduate School at Ohio State.

Tell us how you got there.
A colleague I met in my previous job encouraged me to apply for my current position in the Graduate School. Prior to this position, I worked at the Infectious Diseases Institute at Ohio State for about 4.5 years. I gained a lot of valuable experience overseeing marketing and communications and event planning, managing internal funding programs, supporting a training grant program both pre- and post-award, and building capacity and collaboration in research networks across a variety of fields. I’m very grateful for that time and experience, and working there during the pandemic was uniquely interesting.

What was your focus or research interest when you studied at Ohio State?
Public health and health and science policy in Central Asia.

How has your CSEEES MA helped you throughout your post-graduate life?
The interdisciplinarity of the program prepared me to work on projects and programs with similarly varied and intersecting topics. While the area studies and language components of the program haven’t been central to my professional life since graduating, almost all my work has dealt with public health, health policy, and science research in some way.  

If you are a traveler, what is one of your favorite trips you have taken?
It feels a bit on the nose to say Bishkek for my summer Russian program in 2017, so I’ll say Paris for the Eras Tour.

What are your hobbies?
Reading, sewing, ballet, aerial silks, puppets, and I’m planning my first garden this year.

What are your future plans?
Does anyone really know their future plans?! I’m considering returning to grad school for a PhD or pursuing teaching at a community college, but I’m also considering developing my sewing skills to become a tailor. Time will tell, but I’m really enjoying where I am right now.

What advice do you have for graduate students? 
Meeting and getting to know new people is one of the most gratifying parts of graduate school and can help you find your next steps as a professional. Look for extracurriculars that interest you, and don’t be afraid to explore new interests even if it feels like veering off course in the moment. Determine what success and fulfillment really mean for you personally – one size doesn’t fit all. Take care of yourself, and ask for help when you need it. If you need something, don’t be afraid to reach out to the Graduate School – everyone here is very nice and helpful!