Lessons from a PhD

In this episode of Lessons from a Ph. D. , I sit down with Rob Henderson, President and CEO of BioTalent Canada, to talk about the importance of transferable skills and how academic professionals can successfully transition into the private sector. Rob shares his own journey into leadership, the role BioTalent plays in Canada’s bio-economy, and why employers are eager to hire PhDs and researchers...

In this episode of Lessons from a Ph. D. , Salma shares her powerful story of resilience and determination. After moving to Canada because of the war in Syria and having to restart her academic journey from scratch, she pushed through the challenges of graduate school, including completing her PhD while caring for a newborn. Salma opens up about starting over, balancing motherhood, and finding the...

In this episode of Lessons from a Ph. D. , I sit down with Dr. Joseph Okeme, environmental health researcher and assistant professor at McMaster University, to explore his inspiring journey through academia. Dr. Okeme shares how curiosity—not a perfect plan—guided his path, and how he’s working to make science more accessible through innovative methods and community-focused initiatives. We also ta...

In this heartwarming and insightful episode, I sit down with Dr. Vera Onana—a Nigerian-born scientist, new mother, and founder of SheThrivesPhD —to explore the full scope of her journey through science, immigration, and identity. From her early days of studying biology in Nigeria to pursuing a PhD in Canada, Vera shares what it was like adjusting to a new academic culture, navigating the research...

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Dr. Nyasha Gondora—scientist, federal public servant, board leader, and one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch. We talk about her journey from Zimbabwe to North America, her transition from wet lab research into health policy and leadership, and how her Christian faith, resilience, and community supported her through each chapter. Nyasha opens up ab...

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Patricia Dada, the visionary behind the Black Fertility Agency, to discuss why fertility support tailored to the Black community is so needed and so overdue. We talk about how we first connected, how her idea evolved from Black Fertility Journal to a full-blown agency, and the personal and professional journey that led her here. Patricia opens up about the...

You’ve probably heard the phrase “Your network is your net worth” —but what does that actually mean? In this episode, I dive into how networking has shaped my career, education, and nonprofit work, opening doors that credentials alone couldn’t. Specifically, I touch on the power of networking, how I started networking, how to overcome networking challenges, and how to maintain and grow your networ...

In this episode of Lessons from a PhD , I’m back after 9 months away, and so much has changed! I’ve taken on a whole new role and it’s taught me so many valuable lessons about life, balance, and priorities. I talk about how this role has changed the way I think about my career and what’s really important to me. I also share some exciting updates about the podcast and what you can expect in future...

Project SHORT X EFeMS collaboration In this episode, I chat with the director for resource development at Project SHORT, a non-profit organization aimed at shrinking the socioeconomic gap in medical and graduate school. We discuss our journeys to PhDs and the goals of both our organizations dedicated to empowering underrepresented students in STEM & healthcare. Our partnership aims to leverage...

In this episode, we're shifting gears from discussing the importance of finding your tribe to diving deep into the significance of mentors in your academic and professional journey. Mentors, those experienced guides who have walked the path you're aiming for, can be found through various channels like mentorship programs or networking on LinkedIn. The key? Finding someone passionate about helping...

It takes a village to do a Ph. D.! In this episode, I unravel the significance of finding the people in your corner. Discover the power of surrounding yourself with relatable and supportive individuals who will elevate your grad school experience. I also share my own experience in actively seeking out my tribe, and how it transformed my academic journey for the better. As mentioned in the episode,...

Let's talk about the importance of resilience. In this episode, we build off of the previous episode and discuss my transition into my Ph. D. and the several challenges I faced. Discover how resilience became my guiding light, enabling me to push past obstacles and ultimately make a groundbreaking discovery. Tune in as I unravel the invaluable lessons learned from embracing resilience and how it c...

In the second episode of Lessons from a PhD, we discuss the twists and turns of discovering my path in life. From the uncertainty to the unexpected detour into pursuing a Master's degree, I share the moments that shaped my understanding of following your interests and embracing curiosity. Whether you're at a crossroads in your own journey or seeking inspiration to embark on a new path, this episod...

Join me, on the first episode of Lessons from a PhD, where we embark on a journey through the highs and lows of pursuing a doctorate in STEM. As a Black Canadian woman who has navigated academia and industry, I'm here to share my story, insights, and hard-earned lessons to empower and guide you on your path. In this introductory episode, I'll introduce myself and provide a glimpse into what you ca...