Meet the ISTN-3 Grads: Grace Pappas
Grace Pappas (they/she) is a PhD student in Social Work at Portland State University. They are also a member of the third cohort of our International Student Training Network (ISTN).
We spoke with Grace about their research and their experience in the ISTN.
Where and what are you currently studying?
I’m currently pursuing a graduate degree in Social Work. I entered the program with a background in child welfare, where I began to notice how little attention was paid to LGBTQ+ young people in meaningful ways. Conversations in the field often stayed surface-level, like reminding social workers to ask about pronouns, or acknowledging that some kids have two moms---super basic stuff. There wasn’t a lot of robust conversation happening, it wasn’t in the literature or talked about in my classes.
At the same time, I was exploring the intersections of Evangelicalism and social work---I grew up within Evangelicalism and came out within that context and culture. Having talked to others with similar experiences to mine, I became interested in what tools and supports are most helpful, and uncovering nuances of these experiences.
How has your experience in the ISTN impacted your scholarship and research?
When I joined the ISTN, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I thought it would be a space to learn practical research skills—and it was—but what stood out most was the opportunity to connect with people doing groundbreaking work across the globe. Seeing the questions other researchers were asking made the world feel big and small at the same time.
For instance, I never would’ve considered video games as a platform for research, but my experience in the ISTN introduced me to that idea. Being able to present my own work and receive feedback in a supportive environment was incredibly enriching. The experience has given me new ways of thinking about methodologies, questions, and the creative approaches necessary for working with young queer people.
What are some key takeaways from ISTN that you will take into your future work?
The ISTN taught me the importance of creativity in research—especially when working with young LGBTQ+ populations. It pushed me to think about how to make research accessible and inclusive, using different methodologies and ways of gathering information.
One particularly impactful session led by Dr. Alex Wagaman highlighted the importance of agency and choice for young people throughout the research process. This idea will continue to influence how I design and conduct my studies.
What do you do outside of work?
I love spending time in nature and being away from screens. I enjoy bike riding, camping, and exploring the rivers, mountains, and lakes of Oregon with my partner. To maintain balance
outside of academia, I make a point to read books that aren’t related to my scholarship. One of my recent favorites is A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers!
Anything else?
I’m eager to connect with others asking critical questions about family—particularly what we can learn from queer young people about care, family, and community. Their resilience and creativity offer powerful insights that disrupt traditional notions of family, especially within the heavily regulated and policed U.S. context.
