Welcome to the Office of Research and Graduate Studies

Miranda de Bruin - 2025 Outstanding Graduate Student

We are thrilled to announce Miranda de Bruin as our 2025 Marilyn Odom Outstanding Graduate Student Award recipient. This award recognizes her dedication, hard work and exceptional contributions to music education, public service and the SFA community.

Throughout her time at SFA, de Bruin has demonstrated outstanding leadership, creativity and passion for her field. She has been instrumental in the success of the SFA Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band. She has led the University Band, fostering inclusive and engaging programming for diverse skill levels. In addition to her teaching and conducting roles, de Bruin has represented SFA in numerous scholarly pursuits including the Texas Music Educators Convention and the TMEA Graduate Student Essay Contest. 

We look forward to seeing her continue to advocate for public education, elevate the field of music education, and inspire future generations of musicians and educators. Congratulations, Miranda!

Angela Nkeiruka Aziekwu — 2025 Three Minute Thesis® competition winner

The Office of Research and Graduate Studies held its first Three Minute Thesis® competition this past February. Second-year graduate student Angela Nkeiruka Aziekwu was announced the winner for her presentation, “The Battles Within: Hidden Power of Nature.” Aziekwu will represent SFA at the 2025 Conference of Southern Graduate Schools Three Minute Thesis Competition, presenting her expansive research to an interdisciplinary audience in just under three minutes.

Aziekwu is a dedicated graduate student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, where her research explores the antioxidant properties of plant products in combating oxidative stress. Under the mentorship of Dr. Bidisha Sengupta, associate professor, Aziekwu investigates natural compounds with potential health benefits, contributing to the growing field of antioxidant research.

Learn about 3MT®

Miranda de Bruin - 2025 Outstanding Graduate Student

We are thrilled to announce Miranda de Bruin as our 2025 Marilyn Odom Outstanding Graduate Student Award recipient. This award recognizes her dedication, hard work and exceptional contributions to music education, public service and the SFA community.

Throughout her time at SFA, de Bruin has demonstrated outstanding leadership, creativity and passion for her field. She has been instrumental in the success of the SFA Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band. She has led the University Band, fostering inclusive and engaging programming for diverse skill levels. In addition to her teaching and conducting roles, de Bruin has represented SFA in numerous scholarly pursuits including the Texas Music Educators Convention and the TMEA Graduate Student Essay Contest. 

We look forward to seeing her continue to advocate for public education, elevate the field of music education, and inspire future generations of musicians and educators. Congratulations, Miranda!