Liza Thomas wants to become a philosopher. She graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy from the Department of Philosophy in 2023 and is now applying for graduate philosophy programs to achieve her goal.

Helping Thomas along the way are Department of Philosophy Assistant Professors Lindsay Brainard, Ph.D. and Keshav Singh, Ph.D. Since Thomas’ graduation, Brainard and Singh have met with her frequently to compose graduate school timelines, provide resources for additional program information, and assist in crafting elements of grad school applications such as writing samples.

“Dr. Brainard is just a fantastic resource,” said Thomas. “When you’re applying to philosophy graduate school, you need someone to help guide you through all those things and [Brainard] has taken that on like a champ. I will sing her praises to the end of time. She’s not only great as a human, but as a philosopher too, which is just so cool.”

During one of their recurring sessions, Brainard encouraged Thomas to consider participating in the Philosophy in an Inclusive Key Summer Institute (PIKSI). This weeklong program, hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, seeks to empower undergraduate and recent graduate students to pursue advanced studies in philosophy and careers in higher education. The institute provides the students—also known as “Alain Locke fellows”—with a mentor to serve as an advisor during their stay in Boston and throughout the process of applying for graduate school.

“PIKSI-Boston is a selective program, so I'd typically only encourage a student to apply if their academic performance in philosophy has been very strong and if they are serious about the possibility of applying to graduate school,” explained Brainard. “Given Liza's academic record and her love of philosophy it was a no-brainer to suggest that she apply.”

Following their conversation, Thomas applied for the program and was later accepted.

“I remember the moment distinctly because I was in the library getting work done. I was checking my emails, and [when I saw the acceptance letter] I had to run to my car so I could properly scream,” said Thomas.

Liza Thomas during her stay at PIKSI Boston.Thomas was among 20 students selected nationwide for the PIKSI-Boston program. She was the only UAB student to attend, and one of three other students who represented the South. For Thomas, it was a great opportunity to exchange ideas.

“I was the first person from Alabama that any of the fellows had met. I hope I brought a new perspective [about Alabama],” said Thomas.

Each day, Thomas spent the morning hours studying philosophy alongside visiting professors and graduate teaching assistants from across the country. In the afternoons, she would spend time with her assigned mentor Urna Chakrabarty, a current Ph.D. student at the City University of New York.

“My mentor was absolutely fantastic,” said Thomas. “She is an international student, and I am a first-generation student. She [would] explain the process for the Ph.D. and master’s application and didn’t [assume] we would know anything.”

Following PIKSI-Boston, Thomas will continue to work with her fellowship mentor and Brainard as she prepares for graduate school.

“I’m working on my application, and I will submit it in December and January,” said Thomas. “I should know what happens next by about March. It’s a long timeline and it's really nerve-wracking, but it’s all going to be worth it.”

For students seeking to continue their education in philosophy, Thomas offers this advice:

“Nurture those relationships with your philosophy professors. Not only are they your mentors, but they are brilliant minds.”