First things first — I wish everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous year!
It’s January 1st and I haven’t posted anything in the past 18 months. Which means <insert dramatic pause here> that I’ve made a new year’s resolution to post more often and more specifically, “journal” my research and dissertation-writing journey.
I would love to say that I’m in some kind of “home stretch” of my degree program but I can’t. I’m in the throes of scoping out a second paper topic while also planning a preliminary research defense (a key milestone in my academic program) sometime later this spring semester. In addition, a VT colleague and I have partnered up to read and discuss a collection of 60+ networking papers. Did I mention that I’m a part-time PhD student? ?
So…back to what this blog post is all about. While I may occasionally veer off and post something that I find generally noteworthy or marginally relevant, I plan to post regular updates on my research progress — which includes endless literature reviews, paper outlines and drafts, research team presentations (e.g., “half-baked” talks and pre-conference preps), conference paper submissions (and responses!), and of course, my dissertation progress.
I don’t expect all — or most, for that matter — of these posts to be inspirational or packed with “good news” but I do expect the posts to serve as an accurate account of my journey, including the highs and lows, that may be of value to others who are considering this path. With that said, my next post is already forming in my head!
Cheers!