Joanna Jezierska is the director of Graduate Research Pathways at UNLV's Graduate College, where she oversees programs that support the academic and professional development of graduate students.

She is now building the GRAD Research Immersion Summer Experience (RISE), a week-long program to inspire and prepare talented undergraduate students from UNLV and partner institutions to pursue doctoral studies in STEM at UNLV.

Born and raised in Warsaw, Poland, Jezierska earned her bachelor’s degree in international business and foreign languages, and completed her master’s degree there. As a child, she dreamed of being a citizen of the world. She started learning English at 5 years old and listened to BBC radio. She speaks Polish, American English, and Russian. She earned her Ph.D. in educational leadership in 2009 at UNLV.

Before joining UNLV, she worked in a variety of roles in higher education, including academic advising, managing a disability resource center, serving as a transfer coordinator, and directing tutorial services at CSN. She has spent 15 years at UNLV and six years at the College of Southern Nevada (CSN), giving her a total of 21 years within the Nevada System of Higher Education.

She also led the Multicultural Program for STEM and Health Sciences at UNLV for the past 12 years.

“Everything I do always comes back to serving students,” Jezierska said.

What inspired you to get into your field?

My grandmother instilled in me the value of education and independence at an early age — two principles that have guided me throughout my life. Growing up with many challenges, I gravitated toward learning and helping others. I came to believe that the more I learned, the more I could support myself and positively impact the lives of others.

Is this what you thought you would do when you grew up?

My mission has always been to study languages, travel the world, and share my knowledge. I truly love what I do and enjoy having the opportunity to shape young people’s lives.

My work with the Graduate College aligns perfectly with my goals and aspirations. Looking back, every step in my career — whether in Poland, CSN, or UNLV — has guided me toward the right opportunities.

What’s an a-ha moment in your career — a time when your perspective shifted and shaped where you are today?

Several key moments shaped my career. Teaching opened my eyes to the impact I could have on students’ lives, and I loved helping shape their futures. My extensive travels helped me connect with people from many backgrounds. Studying anthropology gave me insight into culture and history, which became even more meaningful when I moved to the United States.

I promised myself that I would earn a Ph.D., and I am proud to have fulfilled that dream. Today, I encourage students to focus on their dreams and think about the impact they can have on others.

What’s the last big project you completed, and how did you celebrate or decompress afterward?

For the past 11 years, I led the National Summer Transportation Institute, a federal grant supported by the Nevada Department of Transportation, the United States Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration. The program brought high school students from across Nevada to UNLV for two weeks each summer.

After completing my final summer camp this year, I took time to recharge in Utah, hiking and spending time with my family and my dog. After working with more than 20 teenagers at once, some quiet time is always welcome.

We know our faculty and staff can have a profound effect on their students — but tell us about a lesson you learned from a student.

My students have taught me to be spontaneous, open-minded, and creative. They introduce me to new technologies and ways of thinking. Talking with them often feels like two worlds meeting — I share my experiences from the old world, and they bring in the new. I am constantly learning new perspectives on life and the world.

You just won Megabucks and want to give back to the university. What would you support and why?

I would establish a foundation to support underprivileged, talented students, giving them opportunities to attend college and travel to learn languages and cultures. I hope this would help broaden their global perspectives and empathy. I would also fund scholarships for women pursuing doctoral degrees in STEM fields.

Best three-month stretch of the year?

For me, the best months are April, May, and June. Spring inspires me to seek new beginnings and reflects the natural cycle of life, making it the most beautiful time of year.

My ideal summer vacation is:

Stillness is rare for me. I find joy on the water, sailing, and in mountain cabins, where I can embrace both freedom and exploration. Spending time with friends from many different backgrounds is especially meaningful, as it allows me to truly share and learn from those moments.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell myself never to be afraid to take risks and to embrace every opportunity. I did some of that, but I could have done it even more. I would remind myself not to give up on my dreams or on myself, and to make decisions that serve me well without accepting the labels others try to impose. What people say can easily distract you from what you should be doing for yourself.

I came to the United States because I was hungry to see more. I want people to understand how important education is for everyone. Education opens doors that may otherwise remain closed, which is why I have stayed in an educational environment my entire life. The more educated I become, the more I realize how much there is still to learn.

I have always been intrigued by people’s origins, and I understand what it means to face limitations and work hard for every opportunity. My path was not easy, but with determination, things have always worked out. I believe my positive outlook and self-motivation have carried me through. My desire to achieve more only grows when I face challenges. I want young people to feel that same hunger for possibility. When we remove barriers for them, they begin to see that anything is possible.

Reflecting on my journey, I know that nothing was ever handed to me. I had to work hard for everything, but I always trusted that things would be OK. I want young people to believe in themselves, stay motivated, and want more from life. The barriers begin in the mind.