Supporting First-in-Family HDR Students at USYD

As a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) student, have you ever heard any of the following (or similar) questions from your family or friends?

• "Isn't it just like undergrad but longer?" 😄
• "You must have so much free time as an HDR student, don't you just study?" 😆
• "Can't you just ask your supervisor to help you finish faster?" 😩
• "Just write your thesis and complete your PhD. Can't you just study harder?" 🤨
• "So, you just need to get published, and then you're done?" 🤔
• "Once you finish, it must be easy to find a job, right?" 😌

Supporting First-in-Family HDR Students is a panel discussion designed to support first-in-family HDR students at the University of Sydney (USYD). Being the first in their families to pursue HDR degrees, these students often have a limited understanding of scholarly life (such as academic norms and practices), fewer resources (such as financial support or guidance), and fewer connections (such as professional networks) compared to students whose family members have experience in academic research.

Four distinguished first-in-family scholars, who are the first in their families to complete a PhD and enter academia, will join the panel and serve as role models to share their insights and strategies for navigating academic life, building networks, and accessing resources. We are honoured to have the following panellists:

• Dr Caitlyn Forster, The University of Sydney

• Professor Dieter Hochuli, The University of Sydney

• Dr Kumi de Silva, University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

• Dr Remy Low, The University of Sydney
  

All USYD HDR students are welcome to join the event, especially if you feel that people around you don't fully understand your situation, or if you want to connect with other first-in-family researchers. The panel discussion can also help your family and friends better understand the challenges you face. Spots for this event are limited, so be sure to reserve your free tickets now to take advantage of this amazing opportunity!

• Date: 4th November 2024 (Monday)
• Time: 12pm to 2pm (welcome desk opens at 11:45am & lunch will be provided)
• Location: Susan Wakil Health Building (SWHB) Lecture Theatre 207 (https://maps.sydney.edu.au/?room=D18.02.207)

This event is funded and supported by USYD HDR Development's GRADS Grants.

Should any unexpected situation arise that leads to the cancellation of the event, ticket holders will be notified via email. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to check your email for any updates as the event date approaches.