Graduate Students Receive Degrees at the 2025 Advanced Degree Conferral
The Department of Chemistry's 53 graduates received their advanced degrees and doctoral hoods on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Department of Chemistry presented 53 graduate students with their advanced degrees and doctoral hoods.
The School of Science held the Advanced Degree Conferral Ceremony in Kresge Auditorium’s Swarj Paul Theater, where graduates received a charge from School of Science Dean Nergis Mavalvala and listened to a keynote address given by France Anne Córdova, an astrophysicist and a leader for more than three decades in science, engineering, and education. Córdova is currently president of the Science Philanthropy Alliance, whose mission is to advance science through visionary philanthropy.
“Students, you have made unprecedented scientific discoveries. You have learned, you have taught, you are earning your place among the most talented scientists in the world, you will make a better world with your science, with your conscience and activism, and most of all with your empathy and regard for humanity. Never stop being the catalyst for change you want to see in this world,” Dean Mavalvala said in her charge to the graduates.
“Lean on those in your community who have helped you grow and achieve what you have today, many of whom are here with us. Do great science, believe in its value to humanity, and speak your passion and knowledge not only to your colleagues and well wishers, but especially to those who are skeptical. Don’t stop standing up for what you believe in. On behalf of MIT, we recognize and congratulate you.”
The graduates also heard an inspirational keynote from France Anne Córdova. “Now it’s your turn,” shared Córdova. “You made your journey to this day. You were driven by curiosity and piloted by an inner life that wouldn’t give out. You stepped into the wondrous world of hypothesis data, discovery, interpretation, reflection, and Eureka. New mysteries were born. You did something no one else did before you. This degree from MIT reflects the moment when all of that comes together and you’re ready to begin a new adventure.
Let others be bounded by their prejudices—you should be unbound by your dreams. One of you will be the next Einstein or Marie Curie; let that person be you. What you do have is just enough to succeed.”
Prior to the degree conferral ceremony and School of Science reception, the Chemistry Department hosted a brunch at the Samberg Conference Center for the graduates, their families, and guests.
The Department of Chemistry is immensely proud of the commendable efforts and achievements of its newly-minted PhD and SM recipients.
