What is ZeeMee?
ZeeMee is a social media app where students get to know one another in an exclusive community of their peers—even before they’ve been admitted. Participate in chat channels with the Gradvocats (current UVM students), get to know others in your cohort, find a roommate, or join virtual social events.
Prospective Students: Download the AppMeet the Gradvocats: Graduate Student Ambassadors on ZeeMee
Carlos Pinga
Program: Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
Hometown: South Burlington, Vermont
When I’m not in class, you can usually find me at the Patrick Gym—working, studying, staying active, catching up with friends, or sometimes doing all of the above at once! I love people-watching around campus and soaking in the Vermont weather.
I am part of the Campus Rec staff and a program coordinator for our Walk with Ease program. I've also participated in intramural sports and am currently in my first clinical rotation at Dorset Physio in Dorset, Vermont.
Caroline Rooney
Program: Sustainable Innovation M.B.A.
Hometown: Albany, New York
Currently at UVM I am on the Grossman School of Business Schlesinger Global Family Enterprise Case Competition (SG-FECC) team. We will compete in a family business case competition in January against teams from across the country and globe.
My favorite spot on campus is the University Green looking back at UVM.
Kat Gainer
Program: Higher Education & Student Affairs Administration M.Ed.
Hometown: Eldridge, Iowa
I’ve lived in Vermont since June 2024 (and have been loving it). You can usually find me studying in Billings Library or drinking a lavender London fog in Henderson's Cafe.
I’m a senator in the Graduate Student Senate, intern with the Catamount Community Schools Collaborative, and the managing director of UVM’s peer-reviewed journal The Vermont Connection (TVC).
Maddy Edwards
Program: Plant and Soil Science Ph.D.
Hometown: Western New York
My research explores how invasive earthworms influence soil invertebrate communities, plant–pollinator–pest interactions, and soil nutrient loss, with links to green stormwater infrastructure. I enjoy sharing my passion for insects, and my favorite study spot on campus is the Aiken Center Solarium, where the natural light and greenery make it the perfect indoor nature retreat.
I play intramural sports throughout the year (such as volleyball and broomball). I love to find places to ice skate in the winter. I’m in the Graduate Teaching Program, I’m a member of my department’s seminar and culture committee, and I love to hike, kayak, and garden!
Mohammad Jabarifar
Program: Mechanical Engineering Ph.D.
Home Country: Iran
I specialize in computational fluid dynamics and particulate flows. I earned my master's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Tehran before coming to UVM.
On campus, I enjoy collaborating on research projects, which has helped me connect with peers and shape my UVM experience. I am a member of the Futsal Club, which is a fun way to stay active and connect with the community. One of my favorite spots on campus is the Green, especially in the fall when the colors are amazing—it’s the perfect place to brainstorm ideas or take a study break!