Pre-prof is an extraordinary collaboration between the Norlin Scholars Program and the nationally acclaimed Graduate Teacher Program (GTP). Designed to address the needs of many Norlin Scholars who plan to eventually earn PH.D.s with the intent to teach at the college level, Pre-prof provides panel discussions and workshops to help prepare students for graduate school and the life of a professor. Students are encouraged to work on their professional credentials, develop pedagogical skills and, most importantly, learn how the university as a workplace operates. Participants and undergraduate facilitators alike will gain an edge over other students when applying to graduate schools and tenure-track positions.

The Pre-Professor Workshops are planned and facilitated by Norlin Scholars selected by the Norlin Scholars director and director of the Graduate Teacher program; they're compensated with additional Norlin Scholarships and are trained by the Graduate Teacher Program. Lead positions last two years. Students applying for Lead positions must be interested in attending graduate school with the intent of becoming a professor. Contact Norlin Scholars director for more information.

2009-2010 Pre-Prof Leads

Zuhra Faizi
I'm a senior majoring in linguistics. I have been a part of the Pre-Prof Program for a year. My interests include media studies, history, hiking, and world cultures. I am excited to begin my senior thesis to finish off my final year at CU. After graduation I plan on taking a year off and traveling before beginning graduate studies.

Steve Ragole
I'm a sophomore majoring in Physics and Math. After CU, I plan on going to graduate school for theoretical physics. After that, I will seek postdoctoral positions and hopefully, professorship at a university. I'm very interested in both the research and teaching aspects this career path entails.

Tom Ragole
I am a senior biochemistry major. I research anxiety disorders in the Maier/Watkins Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory in the Psychology Dept. Next year I will either attend graduate school in Neuroscience or medical school with the end goal of a career in academic research.