School of Graduate and

                  Professional Studies

           Professional Seminar Series

Advancing Inquiry: Graduate Research Seminars

Big 10 Quality Checks: Thesis and Dissertation Formatting

Description: A concise overview of the key formatting standards required for theses and dissertations. This session highlights the “Big 10” quality checks students must complete to ensure their manuscript meets university guidelines and is ready for final submission.

Date: February 4, 2026 • Time: 12:00–1:00 PM • Facilitator: Dr. Trinetia Respress • Link: — Registration

General Laboratory Safety Training

Description: Required for all researchers working in TSU research laboratories
Covers PPE, chemical safety, lab behavior, hazard communication, waste disposal, 
and emergency procedures.

Dates: Feb 6th, Feb 20th, Mar 6th • Time: 1:00 PM • Facilitator: Dr. April Falconer-Turner • Registration: Reseach and Sponsored Programs-Rm. 209

General Biosafety Training

Description: Required for all researchers working with biological materials
Introduction to biosafety principles, risk groups, biosafety levels, biosafety 
cabinet use, and waste management.

Dates: Feb 13th, Feb 27th • Time: 1:00 PM • Facilitator: Dr. April Falconer-Turner • Registration: Reseach and Sponsored Programs-Rm. 209

“Ignite My Path: Unlocking the Invisible Toolbox of Library & Academic Research Services”

Description: An introduction to the essential library and research tools available to support graduate‑level work. This session highlights services, strategies, and resources that can strengthen your research skills and streamline your academic journey.

Date: February 18, 2026 • Time: 12:00–1:00 PM • Facilitator: Dean Glenda Alvin • Link: — Registration

Writing Productivity: A Project Management Approach to Completing Your Thesis or Dissertation Description: This seminar presents tools and resources for organizing, writing and completing the thesis or dissertation section by section to ensure that consistent writing progress is made.

Date: February 25, 2026 • Time: 12:00–1:00 PM • Facilitator: Dr. Vernetta Mosley • Link: Registration

The Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Thesis and Dissertation Writing – Part 1 (APEXx Students Only)

Description: This seminar examines how Artificial Intelligence supports thesis and dissertation writing by improving research efficiency, enhancing writing quality, and assisting with data analysis. It also considers ethical issues such as academic integrity and responsible use of AI tools, offering a balanced view of AI’s growing role in graduate‑level research.

Date: February 27, 2026 • Time: 12:00–1:30 PM • Facilitator: Dr. Denise Malloy •  Registration: Research and Sponsored Programs-Room 209

IRB Workshop: Human Subjects Research

Description: Navigating IRB submission, informed consent, HIPAA, and protecting participants in research.

Dates: Feb 27th, 2026 • Time: 1:00 PM • Facilitator: Dr. April Falconer-Turner • Registration: Research and Sponsored Programs-Room 163

RECR: Research Misconduct

Description: Learn how to identify, prevent, and respond to fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.

Dates: March 13th, 2026 • Time: 1:00 PM • Facilitator: Dr. April Falconer-Turner • Registration: Research and Sponsored Programs-Room 209

The Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Thesis and Dissertation Writing –Part II

Description: We are pleased to host a panel of subject-matter experts to discuss the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the thesis and doctoral research landscape. The discussion will focus on the convergence of AI technologies and the traditional thesis and dissertation framework. Our expert facilitators will provide a comprehensive overview of current trends, institutional implications, and best practices for leveraging AI to support high-impact scholarly production.

Date: March 18, 2026 • Time: 12:00–1:30 PM • Facilitator: Drs. Robbie Melton, Jewell Winn, Twainie Roberts, and Nicole Arrighi • Link: Registration

RECR: Strengthening Research Integrity Through Mentorship

Description:   Best practices for fostering ethical mentor–trainee relationships, communication, and expectations in research.

Dates: March 20th, 2026 • Time: 1:00 PM • Facilitator: Dr. April Falconer-Turner • Registration: Research and Sponsored Programs-Room 209

Networking and Professional Branding

What You Uniquely Offer the Workplace: Developing Your Brand

Description:  This seminar explains the components of a personal brand and guides participants into developing an authentic professional brand.

Date: March 11, 2026 • Time: 12:00–1:00 PM • Facilitator: Dr. Vernetta Mosley • Link: Registration

Market Yourself Effectively: How to Write a Compelling Cover Letter/Personal Statement

Description: This workshop describes the general and personal information that should be included in cover letters and personal statements for academic and non-academic employment opportunities, illustrating examples of each.

Date: March 25, 2026 • Time: 12:00–1:00 PM • Facilitator: Dr. Vernetta  Mosley• Link: Registration

The Grad Student’s Career Accelerator: (Resumes, Interviews, and Networking)

Description High-level positions require high-level preparation. This session focuses on the essentials of the professional world: optimizing your resume for specialized roles, refining your interview technique for both panel and one-on-one formats, and building a powerful LinkedIn profile to expand your digital reach. We conclude with a deep dive into Handshake, the leading career platform connecting students and recent graduates with top employers for internships and jobs, ensuring you are fully equipped to navigate the modern hiring landscape.

Date: March 27, 2026 • Time: 12:00–1:00 PM • Facilitator: Ms. Leigh Oliver • Registration : Research and Sponsored Programs-Room 209