Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Affairs
The Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) team supports graduate education by developing engaged communities across multiple disciplines at the University of Connecticut. We help graduate students and postdoctoral scholars achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals during their time at the University of Connecticut. Our team:
- Develops and promotes programs to enrich academic journeys and creates experiences for personal and professional growth.
- Provides guidance to navigate various opportunities and challenges through administrative services and consultations.
- Collaborates across UConn departments and offices to enhance the infrastructure that supports graduate education
Each staff member specializes in a different branch of our office. Reach out to our team and learn more about how we can further support you.
Karen Bresciano
Assistant Dean of The Graduate School Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Affairs
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Schedule Time: Email me
Email: karen.bresciano@uconn.edu
Phone: (860) 486-0983
Can help with: One-on-one support, advocacy, and problem-solving for graduate students and post docs, as well as the faculty and staff who work with them. Exploring and improving systemic issues that affect the graduate education experience at UConn.
Kimberly Curry
Director of Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Support
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Schedule Time: Email me
Email: kimberly.curry@uconn.edu
Phone: (860) 486-3949
Can help with: One-on-one support, advocacy, and problem-solving for graduate students and post docs, as well as the faculty and staff who work with them. Exploring and improving systemic issues that affect the graduate education experience at UConn.
Megan Petsa
Director of Graduate Student Administration
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Schedule Time: Email me
Email: megan.petsa@uconn.edu
Phone: (860) 486-0977
Can help with: Graduate assistantships, voluntary separation and reinstatement, enrollment exceptions, Timely Topics Series, departmental stewardship, policies and procedures.
Franca Afolabi
Graduate Assistant
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Schedule Time: Email me
Email: ksm24002work@uconn.edu
Phone: (501) 891‑8736
Melissa (Mel) Carter
Graduate Assistant
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Schedule Time: Email me
Email: mec23012work@uconn.edu
Phone: (860) 486‑3617
