Navigating Doctoral Challenges

The Well-being of PhD Students in Academia and Beyond

Post author:Prof. Sophie Marques
Post published:January 14, 2025
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Dr. Sophie Marques shares her inspiring academic journey, rising from a family of illiterate parents to earning a PhD and later a post-PhD at UCT, eventually becoming a Senior Lecturer at the University of Stellenbosch. She reflects on the challenges of being the only woman in the mathematics department and how she navigated them. Dr. Marques also discusses her experiences in supervising students, addressing their challenges, and guiding them towards success.

Embracing Humanity for Stronger Supervision

Post author:Dr. Robert Kati
Post published:September 11, 2024
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In this article, Dr Kati reflects on how the high drop-out rate of PhD students in Kenya prompted him to re-evaluate his role as a research supervisor. Dr Kati writes about the importance of mentorship, empathy and nurturing professional development during a student’s journey.

Balancing Acts: The Untold Struggles of Motherhood in Doctoral Research at 2iE

Post author:Traore Maïmouna
Post published:April 24, 2024
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Traore Maïmouna unveils the undocumented struggles of women navigating the demands of childbirth and parenting while pursuing their doctoral studies. From the absence of maternity leave policies to the strategies employed by these resilient women, the narrative sheds light on the humanization of doctoral supervision and calls for institutional changes to support the holistic well-being of doctoral candidates. Editorial note: I removed reference to female PhD students as ‘girls’ since it is not possible for a PhD student to be younger than 18, the age of adulthood in South Africa.

Navigating Doctoral Challenges as a Multitasking Scholar

Post author:Mmabaledi K. Seeletso
Post published:April 24, 2024
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From juggling roles as a mother, wife, and professional to overcoming social stress and isolation, Dr. Mmabaledi K. Seeletso shares her remarkable experience as a multitasking Ph.D. candidate. Her narrative offers valuable insights for both supervisors and doctoral students, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the multifaceted lives of scholars.