Ep. 220: Empowering Black Women and Nonbinary Doctoral Students Through Shared Experiences and Advice
At the end of episodes 202 to 219, we asked our guests to share advice with listeners embarking on a Ph.D. journey. This episode is a compilation of all that they shared, from Dr. Jen Fry’s word of warning not to let younger students make you feel inferior to Dr. Natasha Johnson’s thoughts on imposter syndrome and taking a break. Hear Dr. Anna Ampaw’s wisdom to think carefully before pursuing doctoral studies and Dr. Lauren D. Kendall Brooks’s thoughts on changing track. Dr. Nsa Dada offers encouragement to anyone feeling less than, and Dr. Julia Nepper emphasizes the value of community before Dr. Tassiana Moura De Oliveira echoes her thoughts. Dr. Ayanna Abrams and Dr. Mikal Woldu urge listeners to prioritize their mental health, and Dr. Geniece Crawford Mondé draws on her own experience to illustrate the power of research. You’ll discover how Dr. Fatu Badiane Markey learned to say yes and learn about Dr. Reka Barton’s commitment to designing a Ph.D. journey that worked for her. Dr. Kristen Nichole shares her insight on building connections, and Dr. Marvette Lacy empowers listeners to put their truth into words. Lastly, Dr. Ebony Butler speaks to the power of presence. Tune in today for all this and more!
Key Points From This Episode:
•An introduction to today’s conversation: a compilation of advice from episodes 202 to 219.
• Why you shouldn’t allow younger doctoral students to make you feel as though you don’t belong.
• The power of finding a chair that loves what you are interested in according to Dr. Jen Fry.
• Navigating imposter syndrome with Dr. Natasha Johnson.
• Why it is so essential to know when to take a break.
• A word of advice: a Ph.D. is not for everyone with Dr. Anna Ampaw.
• Determining whether or not you should go into a Ph.D.
• The power of mentorship during the Ph.D. process.
• Why you should feel empowered not to stay on a single track with Dr. Lauren Kendall Brooks.
• A reminder that a good dissertation is a done dissertation!
• Dr. Nsa Dada encourages listeners: you are enough!
• The power of mentorship from more senior academics.
• Why it is so important to find a community of support with Dr. Julia Nepper and why she attributes her success to community.
• How community makes you stronger with Dr. Tassiana Moura De Oliveira.
• The importance of prioritizing your mental health with Dr. Ayanna Abrams.
• Considering who you will be when the degree is over.
• Dr. Geniece Crawford Mondé on doing the research before you choose a faculty and a tip to get into a fully funded program.
• Dr. Fatu Badiane Markey on the power of yes and opportunities she had outside the lab and why she is glad she said yes to them.
• Remembering that the Ph.D. journey is yours with Dr. Reka Barton.
• Designing your Ph.D. journey in a way that feels good to you and why sponsorship is as essential as mentoring.
• The extreme importance of learning to manage your time with Dr. Toyin Alli and knowing what to prioritize.
• Dr. Terrion Williamson on misery in the academy and where it may stem from.
• Knowing that you bring something unique to this work.
• Battling imposter syndrome with Dr. Chantrell Frazier.
• Building your connections with Dr. Kristen Nichole.
• A recommendation to reach out and ask questions to staff and current students with Dr. Mikal Woldu and her advice to look after your health during the process.
• Putting your truth on a page with Dr. Marvette Lacy.
• Being present with Dr. Ebony Butler.
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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.
