Mrs. Jodie Boisvert (She/ Her/ Hers) is a first-generation, first-year PhD student attending school at Florida Atlantic University in the United States. She is studying Anthropology and Political Science in hopes of obtaining an academic, industry, or political career that will allow her to use her research to design and implement culturally appropriate policies that will positively impact our society's most vulnerable. Mrs. Boisvert is currently working on a project identifying barriers to employment for refugees living in Norway. Follow her on Twitter: @Jodie_Boisvert

Anxiety in Academia: Using Anxiety as My Superpower  

Anxiety is a debilitating condition that can make the simplest of tasks difficult, let alone a PhD. This empowering article follows Jake’s experience with anxiety during sixth form and university, and how once he discovered research he began to view anxiety as a superpower to keep his PhD pushing forwards. He shares anxiety-reducing techniques for when it gets too much, including affirmations and breath control, and emphasises the value of accepting anxiety in your life.

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15 Years in Academia: 10 Things I’d Do Differently If Starting My PhD Again

This article reflects on the author’s 15-year academic journey, detailing the lessons learned from disorganised PhD student to effective work habits as a postdoc and assistant professor, and applying these lessons to their current role at Paperpile. Suzanne offers practical advice on academic writing, productivity, and professional development, emphasizing the importance of daily writing practice, systematic note-taking, reflection, goal setting, and the use of digital tools like reference managers. She shares these insights to help current PhD students avoid similar pitfalls and develop productive habits early in their academic careers.

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