Ep. 216: Dr. Kristen Nichole on Balancing Research & Entrepreneurship and Pole Movement as Stress Relief
Ph.D. in Applied Community and Social Psychology North Carolina State UniversityDr. Kristen Nichole
Today’s guest Dr. Kristen Nichole turned to pole movement as a way to cope with the stress of doing a Ph.D. This led her to start her business, Polecology, while continuing to work in qualitative research. In this episode, she shares her story with us. Tuning in you’ll hear about her Ph.D. in Applied Community and Social Psychology, her dissertation project on identity and counter-storytelling among emerging adult writing leaders, and how she completed her degree with a brand new baby. She explains how she became interested in psychology and decided to do a Ph.D., despite getting a C in AP Psychology. We also discuss the importance of developing relationships with faculty members to gain the research experience necessary for a doctoral degree, the pros and cons of going straight from undergrad to Ph.D., and what to consider before choosing a university. To hear her story of how her Ph.D. and her knowledge of storytelling informs her work in teaching movement, as well as countless helpful tips and advice for anyone pursuing a doctoral program, tune in today!
Key Points From This Episode:
• An introduction to today’s guest, Dr. Kristen Nichole.
• How she finished her degree with a brand new baby.
• The subject of her dissertation project.
• How she became interested in psychology and decided to do a Ph.D., despite getting a C in AP Psychology.
• How she developed relationships with faculty members to start gaining the research experience necessary to be ready for a doctoral degree.
• The pros and cons of going straight from undergrad to Ph.D.
• How she realized that NC State was the best place for her Ph.D. and what you should consider when choosing where to apply.
• Some of the highlights and challenges of her doctoral program.
• The difference between an advisor and a mentor and the role her advisors played.
• Kristen’s multiple streams of funding, and how she was able to find it.
• Where she went to college and a tip about how to save on the cost of moving.
• Why she took a hiatus after completing her Ph.D.
• How trying to cope with the stress of her Ph.D. led her to pole movement.
• How to overcome negative self-talk or perfectionism when it comes to pole movement.
• The importance of taking intentional time to consider what you want to do with your Ph.D.
• Why she would wait before having a baby if she had to do her doctoral degree all over again.
• Advice for anyone thinking about going to grad school or currently in a doctoral program about networking and connections.
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