Vida De PhD

In this episode of  Vida de PhD , host Dr. Aceves sits down with Dr. Linda Halgunseth to discuss her journey to the PhD. Together, they reflect on how the path to a PhD — and the career that follows — is rarely linear. Through her story, Linda reminds us that it’s okay to make the “wrong” choice because, as she beautifully shares, “life is forgiving.” Her journey shows that even when we feel off c...

This episode is part of the Navigating Uncertainty with Certainty series on Vida de PhD. In this conversation, Lorena and Elia reflect on navigating today’s job market. They share important realities to consider with today's job market. And how to keep the faith as you figure what is to come next with your career. En amor y poder, Lorena

In this episode of  Vida de PhD , host Dr. Aceves sits down with Dr. Lupe Diaz Lara to reflect on her journey into and through her PhD. Lupe shares how she discovered research along the way—navigating aspects of doctoral training she hadn’t fully understood at the start, including milestones like comprehensive exams. Together, they discuss the critical role of mentorship, especially the impact of...

This episode is part of the  Navigating Uncertainty with Certainty  series on  Vida de PhD . In this conversation, Lorena and Deziah reflect on the highs and lows of navigating today’s job market. They share practical strategies, honest insights, and lessons learned from their own journeys. Whether you’re in the thick of it or trying to find your next step, this episode offers concrete tools and g...

In this episode of  Vida de PhD , host Lorena Aceves sits down with  Lucia Alcala  to reflect on their shared Mexican backgrounds and the experiences that shaped their academic journeys. Lucia shares her path into graduate school, the challenges and opportunities she encountered along the way, and the people who helped guide her through pivotal moments in her career. Together, they discuss the imp...

This episode is part of the Navigating Uncertainty with Certainty series of  Vida de PhD. In this conversation, Lorena & Vanessa sit with uncertainty and explore what it really means to navigate life, career, and identity when the next step isn’t fully mapped out. Through personal reflection and thoughtful dialogue, this episode invites listeners to slow down, name the questions they’re carryi...

In this episode of  Vida de PhD , Lorena sits down with Dr. Ximena Franco-Jenkins to unpack a journey that proves academic paths don’t have to be linear to be powerful. From aspiring flight attendant and future law student to developmental psychologist and systems-level research leader, Ximena shares how her lived experience as an immigrant, bilingual Latina shaped her commitment to children, fami...

This episode marks the beginning of a new era of Vida de PhD. The show will continue to feature interviews with incredible scholars navigating both academic and non-academic paths, while also shining a light on the journey into the unknown that so many of us are currently walking. These conversations will be part of a series titled “The Journey of [Guest Name].” This season also introduces a new s...

In this episode, Lorena shares some news and reflections as she navigates this new season of life that she's been launched into unexpectedly. She also expresses her deep gratitude appreciation for everyone and everything. Feeling invigorated for the next season. Bring on 2026! En amor y poder, Lorena

Lorena had the honor of interviewing Adriana! For the longest time, which she admits in the episode, she has admired Adriana's work. It was really awesome for Lorena to sit down with her and learn about where her professional journey started. They dove into the importance of really great mentors even when they may not have all the tools to guide us. Their belief and commitment can go a long wa...

Sara has a pretty amazing story of pursuing not only a PhD but also a JD. Lorena dives into a fruitful conversation with Sara about all the unique places her PhD and JD journey took her professionally! If you are someone interested in a non-academic journey this episode is for you. Or if you want to just learn more so you can support someone as a mentor this is also for you! Tune in!

Learn hear how Maciel navigated her Mexican heritage in pursuing her higher education and then her PhD. Lorena and Maciel dive into sharing how their families are from the same Mexican state. We also talk about the importance of speaking up promote someone else especially when they can't be in the room. Maciel shares a powerful story. Tune in to hear more! En amor y poder, Lorena

This interview is part of a new series on Vida de PhD —a podcast hosted by Lorena Aceves, a research scientist at ChildTrends, that explores stories of impact at the intersection of research and people. In collaboration with Child Trends, this series aims to spotlight researchers whose work meaningfully supports youth, families, and communities. In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Andra Wilkins...

In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Mara Lopez, who is just the coolest human ever. Her educational journey is uniquely hers and the story she tells with it is so empowering. Mara is an incredible human, professional, and student of life. Tune in to learn more about her journey! En amor y poder, Lorena

This interview is part of a new series on Vida de PhD —a podcast hosted by Lorena Aceves, a research scientist at Child Trends, that explores stories of impact at the intersection of research and people. In collaboration with Child Trends, this series aims to spotlight researchers whose work meaningfully supports youth, families, and communities. In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Renee Ryberg...

In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Debbie Rivas-Drake who takes us through journey into academia. She shares a wealth of wisdom around mentorship and the power it has to transform journeys. We also touch on the importance of community beyond your institution , such as national societies like the Society for Research on Child Development. Enjoy this amazing episode, en amor y poder! Lorena

In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Rebecca Berger about her journey to pursuing her PhD and a non-academic career. Rebecca shares some precious gems around mentorship and her journey that may shed some light for your journey. Tune on in! En amor y poder, Lorena

This episode focuses on rebooting the show after a break for the summer. Lorena recaps the importance of community by finally sharing some highlights from the SRCD 2025 conference along with some comments from SRCD Latinx Caucus members. Tune in to relish in the beauty and importance of community.

This podcast is part of a new series on  Vida de PhD —a podcast hosted by Lorena Aceves, a research scientist at Child Trends, that explores stories of impact at the intersection of research and people. In collaboration with Child Trends, this series aims to spotlight researchers whose work meaningfully supports youth, families, and communities. In this inaugural episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Sam...

In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Elizabeth Munoz a fellow Latina scholar who is also a Penn State grad! Elizabeth is the first aging researcher that Lorena has on the show. She talks about the importance of family in her educational and professional journey and making career decisions that uplift your personal life goals too! Tune in to hear her story and be inspired! En amor y poder, Lorena

In this episode, Lorena sits down to interview Karina who now is Dr. Karina Jalapa. Karina shares her journey growing up in a Hispanic family and pursuing higher education. She dives into her graduate school experience which is almost complete. Karina ends by sharing that she's open to exploring where her journey may take her outside of the academy. Tune in, especially if you are at the beginning...

In this episode, Lorena interviews Dr. Lisa Lopez that walks us through her journey in higher education to her current position as a full professor. Lisa talks about the important of role that community and community partnerships has played through her academic journey. Tune in to listen and learn more about her journey. En Amor y Poder, Lorena

In this episode, host Lorena interviews Dr. Joshua Wallace to finally record the podcast Black History Month feature. Josh takes us through his journey in higher education to obtaining his PhD. He shares some very important insights for those out there early in their careers. Also shout out to Vanessa Esquivel, Josh's wife and the face behind latinasgettingphds, and her mom's tacos! Don't miss thi...

In this episode, host Lorena has an amazing conversation with Dr. Suzanne Le Menestrel about her journey that led her to various amazing professional experiences outside of the academy. Lorena quickly learned how many professional similarities she shares with Suzanne, especially how one of her initial professional experiences was at Child Trends. There was a special shout to a few of Child Trends’...

In this episode, Lorena has a spanglish conversation with a great mentor of hers Dr. Ruben Anguiano. Ruben shares about his early days as a child and adolescent and how that shaped his journey. Ruben also really dives into the importance of community in the work that we do and how being rooted in community has driven where his professional journey has taken him. My son Gabe makes a special appeara...