Jade is a soon-to-be doctoral graduate at the University of Nottingham. Her interests include settler-colonial and Indigenous studies, as well as Gothic literature and film. She has published in Gothic Studies journal and has recently completed a chapter in a peer-reviewed collection on Global Aboriginal/Indigenous Horror, forthcoming from The University of Western Ontario. She currently works for The PhD Place and as a copy editor for the University of Wales Press.

Being Gay in Academia: Unravelling Suffocating Contradictions

This article explores the experience of a gay man entering academia in an oppressive conservative culture, creating impossible contradictions between who they are and who academia wants them to be. Professional norms of academia clash with stereotypes of what ‘gay’ looks like to produce a suffocating costume that we often feel is necessary to survive. The article advocates for representation of minority groups in academia to expand ideas of who we can be – and for PhD students to care for one another and embrace our unique stories and identities.

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Preparing for the Transfer Viva. My Experience

Get insights into preparing for the transfer viva, an important step in your research journey, from someone who has gone through it. Learn how to focus on your contributions to knowledge, practice your presentation without overdoing it, and trust that you know your research better than anyone else.

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The Week Before My Viva

Sue Lynn Mah shares her experience preparing for and passing her PhD viva in her article. In the week leading up to the big day, she re-read her thesis, had a mock viva with her supervisor, practiced explaining her work to people outside of her field, and printed out a physical copy of her thesis. Her tips for viva success include picking out your outfit in advance and practicing your elevator pitch.

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