Deirdre Dingman is an associate professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Temple University. Prior to joining the faculty at Temple in 2016, she completed a RWJF post-doctoral fellowship in public health law research. Her degrees include a BS in social work, PBC in gerontology, an MPH and DrPH. Dr. Dingman currently teaches several undergraduate and graduate courses. Her areas of expertise include substance use and addiction, harm reduction and stigma. She has personal, professional and educational experience in prevention and treatment of substance use and substance use disorder, and recently completed a SAMHSA grant to study the opioid crisis in higher education. Her work continues to focus on reducing stigma and discrimination around substance use, especially through service with the American Public Health Association's ATOD committee.

Should I Complete Side Projects as a PhD Student?

‘Side projects’ are valuable additional endeavours alongside your PhD that can build your skillset, relevant connections and future employability – both in and outside of academia. This article discusses some common side project ideas for PhD students, and highlights some of the short-term sacrifices required to complete them.

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Applying for a PhD Abroad: How to Thrive as an International Student

Are you applying for a PhD program in a new country and feeling overwhelmed? This article offers some top tips on how to successfully navigate the international waters to help yourself thrive abroad! Important considerations include researching the right country/university fit for you, giving plenty of time to getting a residence permit, and helping yourself feel part of a community in your new city.

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Death by a Thousand Semesters: Are Academic Careers as All-Consuming as People Say?

The stress and all-consuming nature of pursuing an academic career is often detailed in social media posts and anecdotal tales. Whilst it is useful for PhD students to understand the perils of careers in academia, this article provides further context for some of the issues surrounding progression in the academic profession. It runs through five factors that impact on how all-consuming academic careers can be, ultimately advising you to progress in academia at your own pace.

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