Ep. 129: Dr. Chrystelle Vilfranc on Bouncing Back After Not Getting Into a Program and Finishing a Doctoral Degree During a Pandemic
Ph.D. in Cancer and Cell Biology, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineDr. Chrystelle Vilfranc
In this week’s episode of the Cohort Sistas Podcast, we get together with Dr. Chrystelle Vilfranc to discuss her Ph.D. journey and the difficulties of finishing a doctoral degree during a pandemic. Dr. Vilfranc is the most recent graduate we’ve interviewed, having received her Ph.D. in April of this year. She earned her Ph.D. in cancer and cell biology from the University of Cincinnati. She is an American Association for the Advancement of Science Mass Media fellow, where she is currently interning and working as a science journalist. In our conversation with Dr. Vilfranc, we discuss how she first became interested in science and studying cancer. She shares how she struggled with her first application to graduate school and explains how a referral to a post-baccalaureate program helped her find success in her second application. Tuning in you’ll hear Dr. Vilfranc break down her dissertation and how an unexpected figure helped her realize she wanted to pursue a Ph.D. instead of going to medical school. She shares her experiences with imposter syndrome and how she found mentorship and support by connecting with Black, female mentors online. Hear what it was like for Dr. Vilfranc to finish her degree during a pandemic and why her next career move is all about helping her community. Join us today for a fascinating look at the many aspects of pursuing a Ph.D. in science and how online mentorship can inspire and support you!
Connect with Dr. Chrystelle Vilfranc on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.
Key Points From This Episode:
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What Dr. Vilfranc was like as a child and how she decided to become a scientist.
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Dr. Vilfranc shares how she specifically became interested in studying cancer.
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How Dr. Vilfranc first became interested in research.
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We hear about Dr. Vilfranc’s experience in pursuing a Ph.D. and choosing her dissertation.
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How Dr. Vilfranc’s research mentor helped her realize that she wanted to pursue a doctoral degree, not medical school.
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Dr. Vilfranc shares her struggles with her first application to grad school.
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How Dr. Vilfranc was rejected from the graduate program but was then referred to a post-baccalaureate program that had all the same benefits.
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How Dr. Vilfranc’s post-baccalaureate helped her when she applied to graduate school.
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Dr. Vilfranc breaks down her dissertation and how she chose her topic.
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Why starting a research program from scratch was a bad idea.
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Dr. Vilfranc’s plans to transition into public health.
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Dr. Vilfranc shares why grad school was a challenging time.
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How Dr. Vilfranc suffered from imposter syndrome.
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Dr. Vilfranc describes the dearth of black female mentors at her school and how she was able to connect with mentors online.
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Dr. Vilfranc shares what it’s been like wrapping up her doctoral program during a pandemic.
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The pros and cons of being an advisor’s first student.
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We hear from Dr. Vilfranc about her plans for pursuing a postdoc and the news writing she has been doing.
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The Cohort Sistas Podcast brings to life the stories, struggles, and successes of Black women with doctoral degrees and their lives beyond the degree. If you are a Black woman interested in joining the Cohort Sistas community, sign up to do so here, and if you are looking for more information on how to support or partner with Cohort Sistas, please visit our partnerships page. Find us on Twitter and Instagram, and don’t forget to follow The Cohort Sistas Podcast, rate the show, and leave us a quick review.
