Photo of Leila Bighash

Leila Bighash

Assistant Professor, University of Arizona

What impact did your graduate experience have on your professional trajectory?

At USC Annenberg, I met and worked with so many people with different perspectives on research and the world. I really appreciated the unique experience that I couldn’t have gotten at other graduate schools where people expect to be trained in the same way. I loved my cohort and am so happy with how successful everyone has been. My advisor and committee members helped to shape my perspective on research but allowed me to conduct my research in my own way. Without them, I would not be at the University of Arizona pursuing this career.

What from your Annenberg education best equips you to face the challenges of your field today?

My training from my advisor on how to think about conducting quality research is a big help in facing challenges. I also think my summer experiences with the ASIMS (Annenberg Summer Institute in Statistics and Methods) at the Annenberg-Oxford Media Policy Institute were helpful. Independence was taught from day one at USC Annenberg, and that is something that transfers well to my career.

What advice would you give for someone considering graduate studies at USC?

Independence was key to succeed in USC Annenberg’s PhD program when I was there. Be ready to pursue your own research!

What is the one thing that a USC Annenberg student ought to take advantage of while enrolled?

Meet as many professors and other grad students as you can to try to get a sense of who you want to work with. They are a great resource and you don’t want to miss out while you’re there.

Bighash’s notable projects: