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.

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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What Do I Know Three Years On?

In “What Do I Know Three Years On?” Daniel Walker reflects on his PhD journey and offers advice to those embarking on a similar path. He emphasizes the importance of perspective, self-awareness, and remaining humble, and shares a reflection exercise that helps maintain focus and motivation.

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“Look Right, Look Left”

Karen, who recently started her PhD at the University of Leeds, reflects on her experiences adjusting to life in the UK, including the language barrier, slower pace of life, and the complexities of the PhD journey. She shares the struggles of finding her research direction, fighting gender stereotypes in academia, and the fears that come with being an international student.

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