The journey of a PhD student is not just about research and academics; it also encompasses personal growth, collaboration, and the creation of a community that supports both professional and personal development. The PhD Community Initiative (PhD-CI), led by the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (SGSPA), plays a vital role in bridging the gap between academic research and community-driven action. As a graduate student, I had the privilege of working on a project that aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 17 Rooms exercise. Together with my team, we developed a framework for localizing these global objectives, contributing directly to climate action while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
The PhD-CI initiative was conceived to provide a more holistic approach to graduate education. It recognizes that PhD students’ growth occurs not only within research labs or offices but also through community engagement, skill development, and peer support. This initiative helped me in three major ways:
- Building a supportive community: It offered me the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share experiences with fellow students, ensuring I didn’t feel isolated in my academic journey.