Challenges for graduate students (and faculty!)
- Enculturation into academic life requires acquiring tacit knowledge of norms, traditions, expectations, and behaviors that may not be as accessible outside of the program or department (Becher & Trowler, 2001; Golde, 2008)
- Getting used to culture of the program, college, and university
- Creating a new social network
- Creating a new identity
- Challenges of research, funding and job search
- Time management: balancing course load, teaching, research, engagement, and (!) home life
- Imposter syndrome
Our Perspective: Why did we want a “research family”?
We are a diverse group in terms of:
- Professional backgrounds and experiences (instructional design, k12 education, graphic design, game design, linguistics, etc.)
- Current areas of interest and fields of study (attracted a few members from different colleges)
- Geographic and cultural backgrounds
- Academic interests
- Professional and personal goals
- “Personal stuff” (from mental health to family obligations to responses to current events)
Publications and Presentations
Exter, M., Huang, W., & Ashby, I. (2020). Creating a Research Family: Negotiating Mentorship and Collaboration. Presented at the 2020 Virtual AECT Convention.