GradMag Celebrates ‘The Next Generation,’ Third Edition of Student Magazine

Building on the success of its first two publications, the SBU Graduate Arts & Sciences Magazine (GradMag) celebrated the release of "The Next Generation," its third edition, with a reception in the Student Activity Center's Shore Club in May.

"The Next Generation" features more than 20 pieces spanning topics from neuroscience and biomedical engineering to marine conservation, entrepreneurship and graduate student professional development. The magazine also showcases original poetry and visual art.

Ava Nederlander, GradMag's founder, president and executive editor, said the theme speaks to both a moment and a movement in graduate student life - one defined by scholars, artists, and innovators who are actively shaping what comes next through research, creative work and new ways of thinking.

"'The Next Generation' reflects the remarkable scholars, artists and innovators redefining graduate student life at Stony Brook," said Nederlander, a PhD candidate in computer engineering working under Ari Kaufman, distinguished professor and CEWIT chief scientist in the Department of Computer Science. "This edition highlights not only exceptional research and creative work, but also the collective momentum of a generation actively shaping the future through interdisciplinary collaboration, storytelling and innovation."

Since its launch in 2024, GradMag's mission has been to create lasting platforms where graduate students can communicate their work beyond traditional academic boundaries through print and conference programming. The group further enhanced its presence with "Tech & Friends," a show that debuted on WUSB, Stony Brook's FM radio station, this spring. The show is co-hosted by Nederlander and Esther Nosazeogie, PhD candidate, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, radio production assistant and GradMag editor.

"'The Next Generation' signifies advancements in the next chapter of lives, while placing importance on our current state," said Narmin Mekawy, PhD candidate, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior and secretary of GradMag. "Our third issue also represents how GradMag has grown as a graduate organization and what's to come. GradMag is the first outlet for graduate students across all disciplines to share their work. We think it's so important to highlight all the incredible work of the graduate students at SBU. And now, our reach extends to several platforms."

"This edition of the magazine captures how far GradMag has come in just a few years," said Dennis Jourdain, MA student, School of Professional Development and managing editor of GradMag. "This magazine showcases both the incredible work and collaboration of graduate students across all SBU departments, while reflecting the time and dedication happening behind the scenes. From writers, editors and layout designers to event coordinators, radio producers and photographers, many have contributed their time and effort to make this publication and other events possible. As this organization continues to grow, I'm excited to welcome the next generation of students who want to contribute their ideas and talents to future publications and programs."

Isobel Breheny-Schafer, assistant director of student media and advisor of GradMag, cited the importance of fostering a cross-disciplinary campus community.

"The SBU Graduate Arts & Sciences Magazine has created a wonderful cross-disciplinary publication that highlights graduate student work and Ava and team have created a community for students to socialize and interact with each other in person," said Breheny-Schafer. "By expanding into radio broadcasting they are taking the initiative even further."

The magazine release comes on the heels of the second annual B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Cross-Departmental Graduate Research Conference in February, which drew 93 poster presenters from more than 35 departments. At the reception, GradMag was also honored with the Norman L. Prusslin Educational Media Program Award, presented by the Student Media Council at Stony Brook University in recognition of the organization's dedication to providing students with professional media opportunities and educational programming.

Since its founding in 2024, GradMag has expanded from a single publication into a multi-platform graduate student organization encompassing a university-wide research conference, award-winning media programming and radio broadcasting, while showcasing more than 50 graduate student contributors annually.

The magazine can be read online at www.sbugradmag.com/publications .