Psi Chi is excited to sponsor our new Dissertation Symposium! This educational event will be offered in three sessions and is designed to foster collaboration and support for students at all stages of the dissertation journey. The symposium will feature three one-hour panel discussions, offering valuable insights into the dissertation process – from defining ideas and formulating a proposal to preparing for data collection, and eventually the defense meeting.
Our panel discussion leaders will share their experiences, challenges, and strategies for success. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on navigating each stage of the dissertation, including proposal development, research implementation, data analysis, the final defense, and how to present and talk about your research.
Whether you are just beginning to conceptualize your topic or nearing the defense stage, this symposium offers a unique opportunity to ask questions, network, and learn from those who have successfully completed various stages of their dissertations.
Part 1 – Dissertation 101: Wednesday, May 28th at 5 PM
Part 2 – Steps to Proposal and the IRB Process: Monday, June 2 at 12:30 PM
Part 3 – Steps to Defense and Post-Defense Opportunities: Thursday, June 12th at 12:30 PM
Part 1 – Dissertation 101
Wednesday, May 28th, 2025 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Room 1 & Zoom (RSVP for the Zoom link)
Our panelists will review the basics of dissertation, including what a dissertation is, how to pick and narrow a dissertation topic, and provide an overview of qualitative and quantitative research approaches.
Panelists:
- Dr. Kate Cusick
- Stephanie Swanberg
- Reba Meagher (MA ’23, PsyD 2)
- Zach Wiggins (MA ’23, PsyD 2)
Part 2 – Steps to Proposal and the IRB Process
Monday, June 2, 2025 12:30-1:30 PM
Room 1 & Zoom (RSVP for the Zoom link)
Our panelists will demystify the steps leading to the dissertation proposal meeting, including an overview of how the curriculum facilitates the early dissertation stages, the writing of Chapters 1, 2, and 3 leading to the proposal meeting. In addition, post-proposal, tips for navigating the IRB process. Student panelists will discuss their experiences in designing dissertations from multiple qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method designs.
Panelists:
- Dr. Andrew Franks
- Dr. Kate Cusick
- Kimberly Forbes-Dyczkowski (MA ’22, PsyD 3)
- Klarissa Matanos (MA ’22, PsyD 3)
- Kamri Murray (PsyD 3)
- Mary Pendleton (MA ’22, PsyD 3)
- Arielle Vannette (MA ’23, PsyD 2)
Part 3 – Steps to Defense and Post-Defense Opportunities
Thursday, June 12th, 2025 12:30-1:30 PM
Room 1 & Zoom (RSVP for the Zoom link)
Our panelists will discuss the steps leading to defense, including data collection, analysis, writing of Chapters 4 & 5 and demystify the defense meeting. They’ll also discuss opportunities for converting your dissertation for publication in a journal.
Panelists:
- Dr. Douglas Callan
- Stephanie Swanberg
- Courtney Cabell (MA ’21, PsyD 4)
RSVP for all one, two, or all three symposium events on the website! All sessions will be recorded and made available to those who RSVP after each event.
