Donna L. Halper, PhD (She/Her) is an associate professor of Communication and Media Studies at Lesley University, Cambridge MA. She is the author of six books and many articles; her work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, and academic journals. A widely-quoted media historian, her expertise is in the history of broadcasting, representations of women and minorities in popular culture, and the history of fake news. In addition, she researches the history of baseball and has written numerous essays for SABR (the Society for American Baseball Research). A former radio deejay and music director, she is also known for having launched the career of the classic rock band Rush, who dedicated two albums to her.

Your Academic Journey

Applications and Funding

Career and Networking

Thesis and Dissertation

They Said I Was ‘Too Old’ – My PhD Journey

Donna L. Halper’s PhD journey began after she lost her job in radio and wanted to reinvent herself as a full-time educator. However, being in her 50s and a woman applicant meant that she faced rejection from several universities, making her determined to prove them wrong.

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PREP: A Non-Traditional Route To PhD

Discover Nayanna Mercado-Soto’s non-traditional path to pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Sciences by participating in a Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP). Read about how this program helped her gain research experience, improve her communication skills, and prepare for the grad school application cycle.

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Tonight, I’m an Academic Star: Top Tips for Applying, Preparing and Presenting at Conferences 

The idea of attending and presenting at academic conferences can seem incredibly intimidating for PhD students. Drawing on his wide range of experiences at conferences around the world, this PhD candidate provides advice and tips on applying, preparing, attending, and presenting at an academic conference. Remember to enjoy your brief time in the spotlight, and remember your presentation is really only a small element of the event!

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