Staff Spotlight: Roberto Estrada
As the Graduate College grows and expands its efforts to enrich the experiences of graduate students — we are excited to introduce our team members! Our fantastic staff are an integral component of our mission. From completing daily operations to investing in long-term projects and relationships — the ASU community would not be the same without them.
In this feature, we invite you to get to know Roberto Estrada, a Coordinator for the Professional Development and Engagement team! He fills us in on this year’s Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards and shares a go-to favorite for delicious vegetarian cuisine in Phoenix!
Name: Roberto Estrada
Title: Coordinator
Dept: Professional Development & Engagement
Hello! My name is Roberto Estrada. I'm from Los Angeles, California — specifically, Boyle Heights, in east Los Angeles. I earned my undergraduate degree from ASU and last summer, I picked up my pitchfork once again (nearly a decade after graduating) to start working for the Graduate College! I'm a Coordinator on the Professional Development and Engagement team.
One of the major projects I'm working on is the Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards, which recognize the achievements of faculty who have made outstanding contributions to graduate students' professional guidance and development. At the inception of the award ceremony in the 1980s, faculty recognition was reserved for those who mentored doctoral students and has since expanded to recognize those who mentor masters, doctoral and postdoctoral scholars.
To prepare for this year's awards, I have helped strategize, streamline and document the Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards nomination and review process for future reference. Documenting this process and planning it for the first time has been an excellent way for my team and me to conceptualize new processes for next year's ceremony. The Outstanding Faculty Mentor Awards will be on February 29 this year, so stay tuned for announcements!
Outside of work, I love to stay up-to-date on the Real Housewives franchise, I'm forever keeping up with the Kardashians and I enjoy spending time with friends and family. You can also find me at Lifetime Fitness — there's no better dopamine rush than a great workout. Whether at the gym alone or with a friend, pushing myself to reach new goals is a great way to stay motivated and centered. Aside from that, I love to try out new vegan recipes at home, or if I want to go out to eat, a go-to spot is Green New American Vegetarian or Tacos Veganos!