AstroCeNT/NCAC PhD students Paules Zakhary and Iftikhar Ahmad recently attended the Gran Sasso Hands-On PhD School on Astroparticle Physics, held at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS) in L’Aquila, Italy from September 25 to October 6, 2023. The school was jointly organized by LNGS, the Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences of the University of L’Aquila, and the Gran Sasso Science Institute. It was designed for graduate students and early-career researchers who are interested in pursuing research in experimental astroparticle physics. Over the course of the two-week program, participants learned from leading experts in the field through a combination of lectures, hands-on activities, and collaborative research projects. They also had access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment.In addition to formal instruction, participants had the chance to engage in informal discussions and networking events with fellow students and faculty members. “The Gran Sasso Hands-On PhD School was an amazing experience,” said Paules. “I learned so much about the latest research in astroparticle physics, and I had the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the field. I am grateful for the opportunity to have attended.” “I agree,” added Iftikhar. “The school was well-organized and informative, and I really enjoyed the activities. I am excited to apply what I learned to my own research.” AstroCeNT Phd students are both excited to continue their research in astroparticle physics. They are both grateful for the opportunity to have attended the Gran Sasso Hands-On PhD School, and they look forward to contributing to the field in the future.