Meet UC Davis Graduate Student Slande Erole

• Department
  Political Science
   
• Previous degrees and colleges
  BS & MA Chico State
   
• Where did you grow up?
  I actually grew up in Haiti but immigrated to the United States with my family when I was young. We moved to Marin county near the San Francisco area and I’ve been in northern California ever since.
   
• Where do you live now?
  Sacramento, CA
   
• What's your favorite spot in Davis?
  I’m currently training for a marathon and so I spend a lot of time at the ARC. Even though it is undergoing construction at the moment I absolutely love that place. Everything is so up to date!
   
• How do you relax?
  Netflix is my go to method to relax. Give me a good show and I will settle in. Right now, I’m re-watching the Grey’s Anatomy episodes. It is such a guilty pleasure but I just cannot stop.
   
• What was the last book you read for pleasure?
  I’m actually part of a reading group that gets together about every quarter. It makes for a nice change of pace not having to read academic journals all the time. The last book I read was Reincarnation Blues by Michael Poore. I highly recommend it. 
   
• What TV show are you currently binge-watching?
  Grey’s Anatomy
   
• Research interests
  I’m not quite there yet but I’m sure it will have something to do with women in politics.
   
• Dissertation title or topic
  I think the title would be decided some months before submitting it, but probably will take the form of “Essays in…”
   
• Please share a surprising or noteworthy fact or finding from your research
  Oftentimes women can be much more effective than their male counterparts, even given the institutional constraints that they face.
   
• Which professor or class inspired you to pursue graduate studies?
  Diana Dwyre from Chico State. She’s been my supporter and mentor from the start. I would not have even thought of grad school if not for her push.
   
• Which scholarly text do you wish you had written? Why?
  I have to say David Mayhew’s Electoral Connection. It’s one of those books that has certainly withstood the test of time.  
   
• What's the best thing about being a grad student?
  I like the fact that I can set my own schedule and work at my own pace. And the fact that I get to choose whatever topic I want to focus on. Where else does that happen?. 
   
• What's the worst?
  Grad school is tough. There’s no way around it. It’s physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing. Having to overcome different hurdles thrown at you at certain gatekeeping points in the program is definitely challenging. And it’s really not a matter of intelligence, just endurance.
   
• If you weren't a grad student, what would you be doing?
  I would probably still be working at a university in some sort of capacity helping students, especially diverse students, find their way.
   
• Finally, please ask yourself a question - "What is your favorite city you have visited in the past year?"
  I am an avid traveler. I love different places, foods, and cultures. This past summer I got the chance to travel around South America and Eastern Europe. I have to say though that my favorite city to visit—hands down—was Budapest. I absolutely loved it. It was such an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone.
   

Graduate student profile courtesy of the UC Davis College of Letters and Science.

About Graduate Studies

Graduate Studies at UC Davis includes over 100 dynamic degree programs and a diverse and interactive student body from around the world. Known for our state-of-the-art research facilities, productive laboratories and progressive spirit – UC Davis offers collaborative and interdisciplinary curricula through graduate groups and designated emphasis options, bringing students and faculty of different academic disciplines together to address real-world challenges.

UC Davis graduate students and postdoctoral scholars become leaders in their fields: researchers, teachers, politicians, mentors and entrepreneurs. They go on to guide, define and impact change within our global community.

For information on Graduate Studies’ current strategic initiatives, visit the Graduate Studies strategic plan page.