Punam V. Saxena holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Master’s in Education and currently working on her doctorate in education. Throughout her 30 years of experience teaching and volunteering in her children’s schools, she implemented several procedures that have benefited the students and administrators within the school district. She has been recognized as Volunteer of the Year at Harrison School for the Arts and has received a Key to the City, both in Lakeland, Florida. Punam is a Parent Impact Coach, TEDx speaker, podcast host of edu-Me, a published author. Her work focuses on bridging the gap and fostering and stronger relationship between parents and schools by empowering parents to become partners in their child’s education. Her passion and work stem from her life experiences as a first-generation Indian American as well as raising her own four children. She currently works with clients to equip them with strategies to ensure they advocate for their children in a productive manner that works for them and their children.

From Stay-at-Home Mom to Doctorate Student at 50

Not all doctoral degrees are earned in your 30s and 40s. While many pursue doctoral degrees during those years to attain professional gains and financial security, this article shows how enrolling in a PhD program in your 50s can bring a fresh lens due to entering a new season of life and finally having a window of opportunity to step outside your comfort zone.

Read More »

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.

Read More »
Your contribution to our PhD Stories helps us disseminate valuable support to researchers worldwide.
Update cookies preferences