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.
Written by a doctoral student in Nairobi, this article discusses the benefits of research in enabling a country, such as Kenya, to generate increased economic growth and social development. Research is fuelled by curiosity and asking questions, immersing us in discovering everything there is to know – and ultimately propels humanity forward with developments.
Feeling isolated while pursuing a PhD is common, but it’s important to build connections with others to feel supported and foster a sense of community. Participating in student-run groups and attending events can help graduate students make friends and even get to know professors in their department.
Discover how Vanessa Corcoran, a historian with a focus on medieval witchcraft, pivoted her dissertation topic to the Virgin Mary after immersing herself in coursework on medieval religious history. Learn how her decision was received by her professors, the challenges she encountered, and what inspired her to make the shift.
