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Navigating Work-Life Balance in PhD Pursuits
The author emphasizes that work/life balance is complex during a PhD, particularly within their community. They critique the pressure to prioritize studies, leading to burnout among students. Drawing from personal experiences, including an autism diagnosis, they advocate for self-awareness in managing mental wellbeing, while grappling with systemic challenges in academia.
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Safe Storytelling in Academia: A Critical Exploration
The author shares insights about community-based knowledge from trans Autistic individuals, emphasizing the importance of honoring and protecting these lived experiences. They grapple with how to navigate sharing these stories in academic contexts, questioning what knowledge should be disclosed and focusing on safe, community-driven storytelling over traditional research methods.
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Insights from TNBI Mental Health Research Workshop
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Reflecting on a Year of Research and Growth as a PhD Student
In preparation for an upcoming major review in October, I reflect on my significant academic achievements, including organising a symposium and presenting at various conferences. I am actively writing on topics related to health disparities affecting trans autistic individuals, collaborating with established researchers, and looking forward to future projects and presentations, with another busy year…
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Transforming Cancer Services: Voices of the Neurodivergent
In 2023, the project “What I’d Like to Say” project examined the experiences of disabled and neurodivergent individuals with cancer services. Following the initial findings, phase two focused on solutions, gathering suggestions for improvement through discussions and art-based methods. A new screening project aims to enhance service experiences for marginalized communities.
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Connecting Through Queer Academia: Highlights from Three Trans+ Conferences
I’ve been very lucky and honoured to share conference spaces and stages with so many amazing queer and trans academics in the last few months. I wanted to share my experiences of three conferences, the first three of many to come I am sure! Beyond Reflections: Trans+ Conference 15th May, Bournemouth University I was privileged…
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Exploring Crip Theory: Insights from Our Hybrid Symposium
The symposium “The Intersections of Sociology with Crip Theory, Critical Disability Studies, and Mad Studies” was held on June 11, led by PhD students Robin Skyer, Fraedan Mastrantonio, and the author. It featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, and creative workshops, fostering connection among participants interested in these critical fields.
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Exploring Trans and Autistic Healthcare Inequity
Katie Munday, a doctoral researcher at the University of Portsmouth, focuses on healthcare inequities faced by trans autistic individuals. Their participatory action research aims to address these issues through community collaboration, informed by their personal and professional experiences. The research aspires to offer new insights and enhance accessibility to essential healthcare services.
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Finding Strength in Community: A Trans+ Autistic Researcher’s Journey
The author discusses the challenges faced by trans and Autistic individuals amidst societal hate, particularly in the US and UK. They express exhaustion from the violence seen online and its impact on their research and social life. Despite this, they find strength in their supportive community and ongoing activist work.
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The Isolation of PhD Studies: A Neurodivergent Perspective
The writer reflects on their challenging PhD journey, grappling with emotional and administrative hurdles while transitioning from a long-term role supporting neurodivergent youth. They express frustration over the lack of clarity in obtaining help, navigating academia’s structures, and reconciling personal trauma with the demands of research. It’s isolating yet deeply personal.