Crist Khachikian, Ph.D.
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Pronouns - He, Him,His |
Dean of College of Graduate Studies, VP Research and Innovation
Doctor of Philosophy, Sociology, University Of Colorado, 2004
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About Crist
Crist Khachikian is VP for Research and Innovation and Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, and oversees the university’s research enterprise and its graduate programs. He joined SJSU at the end of July from CSUN, where he was a professor of civil engineering and served as associate vice president for research and graduate dean. He has spent 27 years in the CSU, and his work has centered on applied research that addresses real-world challenges, on expanding research opportunities for students and research activity on campuses, and on building graduate education. He holds a B.S. and a Ph.D. in civil engineering from UCLA and an M.Eng. in civil and environmental engineering from MIT.
Fun Facts
What are your interests/hobbies?
Hmm…still exploring. Right now, I play classical guitar, I read, I hike, and I’m trying to get back into running.
What is cool about your job or about working for SJSU?
The people! Our students are ambitious and hard-working, and many are the first in their families to go this far in school. Our staff are dedicated and committed, and I have never seen this level of engagement in an organization. Our faculty are doing genre-defining work. It’s exciting to be around so many talented people, in a region that is complicated and interesting and fueled by people who study and work here, and I get to be part of it all.
What advice would you give to graduate students?
Do real (and hard) work while you are here. Find faculty mentors and work on something
that matters, not just something that fills a line on your CV. Pick a problem you
are passionate about, or people and systems you can help. Get to work!
And finish. Ask for help early and often. Finishing is the hardest part, usually for
reasons that have nothing to do with your ability, and there are more people here
who want to help you than you think.
What inspires/motivates you? You can also provide your favorite inspirational/motivational quote.
The best part of any week is watching a student realize they can actually do this. That moment is never an accident. A faculty member worked with them on something hard and stayed with them through it, and a staff member welcomed them, supported them, and cleared the obstacles in their way. Working with people who do that is what motivates me.
