The Journey of Dr. Ximena Franco-Jenkins

The Journey of Dr. Linda Halgunseth

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 course, life has a way of guiding us back to where we are meant to be. This episode is a powerful reflection on the importance of trusting yourself, listening to your intuition, and honoring your inner voice. Your inner voice is powerful. En amor y poder, Lorena

Navigating Uncertainty with Certainty: Lorena & Elia

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

The Journey of Dr. Lupe Diaz Lara

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 having an ally and advocate in your corner. A special shoutout to Dr. Alcalá, whose mentorship has been instrumental in shaping Lupe’s path and modeling what it means to lead with intention and care. This episode is a powerful reflection on perseverance, growth, and the importance of not giving up. En amor y poder, Lorena

Navigating Uncertainty with Certainty: Deziah & Lorena

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 grounded encouragement to help you keep moving forward. En amor y poder, Lorena

The Journey of Dr. Lucía Alcalá

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 importance of mentorship in academia—especially for scholars from historically underrepresented communities—and how strong mentors can open doors, provide guidance, and help scholars navigate spaces that were not always designed with them in mind. The conversation also highlights the value of community, representation, and the ways cultural identity influences both personal and professional paths. This episode is a thoughtful reflection on perseverance, mentorship, and the power of having people who believe in you along the journey to and through the PhD. En amor y poder, Lorena