"My mentors are compassionate and provide me with opportunities to hone my understanding and my research skills. The supportive personalities of my mentors, the ACTIONS team and the School of Nursing faculty make me feel like I belong, and I’m grateful for their guidance and encouragement."
Celestine Ofori-Parku, PhD student, Nursing
Year 2: Move Toward Candidacy
Your second year is a transition from structured learning to scholarly independence and interdependence with your labs, key collaborators, and faculty. You will deepen your academic rigor while preparing for qualifying exams and advancing toward candidacy.
Focus on:
- Refining your research interests
- Beginning to shape your research agenda
- Preparing for qualifying exams and dissertation proposals
We also encourage thoughtful engagement beyond the lab or classroom—service, leadership, and community involvement (such as Registered Campus Organizations) can enrich your graduate experience.
Program Key:
GHS = Global Health Sciences; HHS = History of Health Sciences; MA = Medical Anthropology; N = Nursing; S = Sociology
Academic
- Reach out to Potential Dissertation Adviser(s)
- Reach out to Potential Dissertation Committee
- Qualifying Exam (GHS/S)
- Apply to External Fellowships
- Learning Experience in Teaching Duties
- Quarterly Check-in with Dissertation Adviser(s)
- Submit Abstracts for Conferences
- Complete Annual Self-Evaluation (N/S)
Curricular and Co-Curricular Activities
- Required/Elective Courses
- Attend Professional Development Colloquia (S)
- Attend Program Town Halls and Meetings (S)
- Complete Two Research Rotations (GHS)
Community and Resources
- Take Care of Your Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Join RCOs (Registered Campus Organizations)
- Quarterly GEPA Dean's Office Hours
Career
- Create an IDP with CPD
- Participate in Career Exploration