Ep. 208: Dr. Tassiana Moura de Oliveira on Getting an Academic Job in the US after a Doctoral Degree in Brazil
Ph.D. in Political Science Federal University of Pernambuco (Brazil)Dr. Tassiana Moura de Oliveira
It is one thing being a Black woman pursuing a doctoral degree, but to be a female Brazilian Black immigrant in the United States is an entirely different ball game. Today’s guest knows all about what it’s like to do a Ph.D. in a foreign country and to feel unrepresented in her university both in terms of race and in terms of gender. Dr. Tassiana Moura de Oliveira recently moved to the USA from Brazil and is a law and political science professor. In this episode, she tells us about her upbringing, what she likes to do, and how her lack of choices led her to become a lawyer. She tells us about how she approached her father with the news that she wanted to be a teacher before delving into what she is currently researching. Dr. Tassiana had a very difficult experience throughout her studies due to the lack of female, Black representation in the institution, and today, she gives us some insight into the unique challenges she faced, what was good about her experience, the difference affirmative action makes, and what she wishes she had done differently. Finally, she shares some advice for people looking to expand their studies outside of their bubble and reminds us of the importance of establishing a community you can relate to while pursuing a doctorate. To hear all this and more, tune in now!
Key Points From This Episode:
• Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Tassiana Moura de Oliveira.
• Dr. Tassiana tells us about her background, her hobbies, and her educational journey.
• How Dr. Tassiana told her father that she didn’t want to be a lawyer but rather teach.
• Our guest shares her current teachings and research interests with us.
• How Dr. Tassiana chose the school she did her master’s and Ph.D. at.
• The unique challenges she faced as a Black Brazilian woman studying law.
• How affirmative action has affected schooling in Brazil.
• Dr. Tassiana shares the good parts of her Ph.D. experience.
• She shares some advice for people wanting to study abroad.
• Why Dr. Tassiana regrets that she didn’t focus more on studying during her degree.
• Our guest highlights the importance of establishing a community when pursuing a doctorate.
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The Cohort Sistas Podcast brings to life the stories, struggles, and successes of Black women and femmes with doctoral degrees and their lives beyond the degree. If you are a Black woman or non-binary scholar looking for resources, mentorship, and support along your doctoral journey, join the Cohort Sistas community. 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.
