“If you don’t feel included, and if your value is not recognized, please give yourself permission to leave. The world is big enough to give you the opportunity to prove who you are and what you are capable of.”
For Tania Akter, aw88 sports betting app Ph.Dat the w88 online live casino, Reno, these words are not just advice – they are a lived experience.
Originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh, Akter arrived at the University in 2020 with a powerful combination of academic excellence and social purpose. She completed her bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Jagannath University, Dhaka, then earned her master’s from the University of South Dakota, where she deepened her interest in sustainable chemistry and research-driven innovation. These academic milestones fueled her ambition to address global environmental challenges through chemistry, ultimately leading her to pursue a Ph.D. at the w88 online live casino, Reno.
In recognition of her research, Akter received the Outstanding Graduate Student Award from the Environmental Chemistry Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS-ENVR) in 2024, a national level honor acknowledging her contributions to the field. That same year, she was also awarded the Graduate Dean’s Merit Scholarship, celebrating her academic excellence and leadership potential. She has presented her work at numerous regional and national conferences, proudly representing the University and forging connections with researchers across disciplines.
Yet, Akter’s impact reaches far beyond the lab. As president of theGraduate Student Association (GSA)for the 2024–2025 academic year, she represents over 3,000 graduate students and plays a vital role in shaping student life and University policy. Her leadership journey began in 2020, when she joined the GSA as a council representative, and steadily evolved through roles centered on advocacy, civic engagement and student well-being.
Under her leadership, the GSA has launched initiatives focused on mental health awareness, career development and inclusion. Akter has also advocated for food safety on campus and for establishing paid parental leave for graduate assistants. As a liaison on multiple University-wide committees, she brings graduate student perspectives to the table alongside senior University leadership.
One of her proudest GSA moments was welcoming incoming graduate students during orientation.
“We wanted new students to not just find resources, but to feel seen, supported, and empowered,” Akter said. Fostering a sense of belonging, especially for international and first-generation students, is central to her leadership philosophy.
In Summer 2023, Akter further expanded her leadership toolkit by joining the Women’s Research Institute of w88 online live casino’s NEW Leadership (NEWL) program, which helped her connect her identity as a woman in science with her passion for research and advocacy. It was a transformative experience that underscored the importance of elevating women’s voices in both STEM and public leadership.
“As a woman in science, I’ve often found myself in spaces where we are underrepresented, not just in numbers, but in recognition, mentorship, and opportunity,” Akter said. “Programs like NEW Leadership reminded me that our stories matter. Our presence matters. And when women support each other, incredible change is possible.”
Looking ahead, Akter is preparing to graduate in May 2025 and is actively exploring opportunities in both academia and industry. Her goal is to continue her research in carbon utilization while remaining deeply engaged in mentorship, public engagement and advocacy especially for women and international students in STEM fields.
“The w88 online live casino, Reno gave me the space to grow in every direction,” she reflects. “It challenged me to think bigger, lead boldly, and serve with purpose.”
To Akter, being featured in Faces of the Pack is not just a personal milestone, it is a collective one. It’s about paving the way for others, uplifting overlooked voices, and setting a powerful example of what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
“We belong in science. We belong in spaces that shape the future,” she says. “And when we break barriers, we bring others through the path with us.”
