Graduate and international education is all about discoveries — the discovery of knowledge, the discovery of research and creative scholarship that improves lives, and the discovery of new countries, cultures and people. The Graduate School and International Education is celebrating our students, faculty and staff that make discoveries happen at the U of A.

Growing up in Iran, Firuze Soltani had dreams of becoming an astronaut. She constantly dreamed about space and other planets, her curiosity fed by news stories on NASA spacecraft exploring the final frontier. As she got older and faced the intimidating prospect of trying to become an astronaut, she realized the aerospace industry allowed her to contribute to space travel even if she was never able to travel there herself.

But she would need advanced education beyond a four-year degree to achieve her dreams. More than that, she knew the importance of an international study abroad experience — not just for her personal growth, but also because of the doors it would open for her professionally.

Researching doctoral programs, she discovered the U of A. She wanted to earn her doctorate at a university where she could flourish — not only a place with top-notch research facilities and world-class faculty that would provide a life-changing education, but also a place where she could find belonging in a diverse, welcoming community. Researching the U of A, Soltani saw all that and more in the university's mechanical engineering doctoral program.

But Soltani was not a social butterfly. Arriving at the U of A, she was shy, intimidated by a country with foreign languages, people and cultures. She found herself a stranger in a strange land — that is, until she joined the International Culture Team through the International Students and Scholars Office, which introduced her to a community of fellow international students. Through that experience, Soltani participated in cultural activities that grew her leadership skills and deepened her understanding of different cultures.

Soltani struggled with other challenges as well. When her laptop computer broke, she faced a crisis that put her academic career in jeopardy, as she was unable to continue her research. She applied for the Graduate School and International Education's International Education Catastrophic Fund, which provided her the funds necessary to purchase a new laptop and continue her studies. Any other time she faced financial emergencies, she knew she could come to GSIE for assistance.

In the mechanical engineering program, Soltani gained significant experience working in advanced research facilities, studying the friction, wear and lubrication of thin coatings of metal, contributing to the university's research in discovering materials that make people's lives better by being more durable, robust and resilient.

Looking ahead to graduation in the spring of 2024, Soltani interviewed for a job as a senior engineer with Pratt & Whitney Aerospace in Connecticut. The old Soltani might have been intimidated by the prospect of interviewing with a prestigious aerospace company. But after participating in the 3 Minute Thesis competition and attending conferences funded through GSIE's travel grants, Soltani had honed her presentation skills that prepared her for the interview.

Shortly afterwards, she received a job offer that was "a dream come true."

"I wouldn't even be close to where I am today if I stayed in Iran," she said. "I owe a big part of my current career and life status to my international journey."

While Soltani has left Arkansas, a part of the state and university will always stay with her.

"As a graduate and international student, I am leaving the U of A campus community, while a piece of my heart will always stay here," she said. "The U of A is truly my home away from home."