For many students, the dissertation represents the last monumental hurdle in their academic journey, a weighty project that demands months—or even years—of hard work. It’s easy to see it as just another box to check on the way to earning your degree. But what if we shifted our perspective? What if we thought of the dissertation as more than just an assignment but as a legacy—something that outlives its deadlines and defense panels? The truth is, for students seeking dissertation help, it has the potential to be much more than a file collecting dust on a university server. It can be a lasting contribution to your field, a stepping stone in your career, and a reflection of your intellectual passion.

To understand why a dissertation carries such potential, we need to appreciate its unique position in the academic world. Unlike term papers or comprehensive exams, which are often written for a single professor or coursework, your dissertation is your entry into a larger scholarly conversation. It’s a document that captures your ability to identify the problem statement, design solutions, and contribute meaningfully to the knowledge base of your discipline (Lovitts, 2005). This isn’t just about proving your worth to a committee—it’s about positioning yourself as an expert with something valuable to say.

Beyond academia, dissertations often form the foundation for future work. In many cases, they serve as the springboard for published journal articles, book projects, or practical applications. Scholars like Joan Bolker (1998) argue that thinking of your dissertation as a draft of a future book or series of articles can change how you approach the process, motivating you to invest in its quality and impact. Whether it’s your starting point for a journal article or an insight that leads to societal change, the ripple effects of a strong dissertation can be profound.

Moreover, your dissertation represents your intellectual identity. It encapsulates your values, interests, and aspirations in a way that few other projects can. Researchers have noted that students working with dissertation coaches who see their dissertation as a personal and professional legacy are more likely to remain motivated throughout the challenging research and writing process (Kamler & Thomson, 2014). When you align your dissertation topic with something you’re passionate about, it becomes more than an academic obligation—it becomes a meaningful part of your story.

Think about it: this is likely the first time in your academic career that you have almost complete autonomy over what you study. You’re choosing the problem to investigate, crafting the qualitative or quantitative methods to address it, and interpreting the results. This level of independence is rare, and it’s a powerful opportunity to shape how others will view your work—both now and in the future.

Ultimately, a dissertation is more than an isolated project. It’s an artifact of your intellectual journey, a testament to your perseverance, and a contribution to a field larger than yourself. By treating it as a legacy, you’re investing not only in your degree but also in the kind of scholar—and person—you want to be remembered as. Here, we are about to dive into how you can turn your current dissertation into a legacy.

1. Choosing a Topic That Resonates

Selecting a dissertation topic is one of the most critical—and personal—decisions you’ll make in your academic career. Your choice will define the months, or even years, ahead, shaping your research trajectory, influencing your professional opportunities, and reflecting your unique voice within your field. But how do you decide on a topic that not only fulfils academic requirements but also resonates with your passions, your professional goals, and your desire to make a meaningful contribution?

Why Your Topic Matters

At its core, your dissertation topic isn’t just a question to answer or a problem statement to solve; it’s the heart of your research identity. A well-chosen topic serves as a foundation for your intellectual growth, providing a platform to explore your passions while addressing a research gap in the existing literature. Scholars such as Boote and Beile (2005) emphasize the importance of situating your work within the broader academic conversation, urging students to identify topics that fill critical voids while aligning with their strengths and interests. In essence, your topic is your entry ticket into this ongoing dialogue—it’s how you establish yourself as someone worth listening to.

Finding Your Passion

One of the first steps in choosing a resonant topic is identifying what excites you. What issues keep you awake at night? What problems in your field do you wish someone would solve? Reflecting on these questions can help you pinpoint a topic that aligns with your deepest motivations. Research suggests that students who are genuinely passionate about their topic are more likely to remain engaged throughout the grueling dissertation process (McAlpine & Amundsen, 2011). When you care deeply about your subject, you’re not just working toward a degree—you’re pursuing a cause that matters to you.

Balancing Passion with Practicality

While passion is important, it’s not the only factor to consider. A great topic is one that’s not only interesting but also feasible. Ask yourself: Can this topic be realistically addressed within the time and resources available to you? Will you have access to the necessary qualitative or quantitative data, literature, and tools? According to Mason (2002), balancing ambition with practicality is a hallmark of successful dissertation planning. Striking this balance ensures that your topic remains manageable while still offering the potential for impactful results.

Addressing a Gap in the Literature

Another key to choosing a resonant topic is identifying a gap in the existing literature. What questions remain unanswered in your field? What controversies need further exploration? Engaging deeply with the current body of research allows you to pinpoint opportunities for innovation, demonstrating your scholarly value. A well-defined research gap not only makes your dissertation more relevant but also increases its likelihood of being cited and influencing future work (Maxwell, 2013).

Aligning with Your Long-Term Goals

Your dissertation is more than just a stepping stone to your degree—it’s an opportunity to set the stage for your future career. Consider how your topic aligns with your long-term aspirations. If you’re aiming for a career in academia, your topic can serve as a foundation for future journal publications, conference presentations, and even grant applications. If you’re targeting industry roles, think about how your research might solve real-world problems or appeal to potential employers. Viewing your dissertation as an investment in your future ensures that your efforts will continue to pay dividends long after you graduate.

Incorporating Interdisciplinary Perspectives

Finally, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Some of the most impactful dissertations arise from interdisciplinary approaches, blending insights from multiple fields to tackle complex problems. As Huutoniemi et al. (2010) note, interdisciplinary research often leads to innovative solutions, fostering connections between previously siloed areas of study. Exploring how your interests intersect with other disciplines can give your work a unique edge, setting it apart from more traditional approaches. Choosing a dissertation topic that resonates is about more than academic success—it’s about finding your voice, aligning your work with your passions, and making a lasting contribution to your field. By focusing on what excites you, addressing a meaningful gap, and keeping your future goals in mind, you can set the stage for a dissertation that is both personally fulfilling and professionally impactful.

2. Crafting a Research Question That Stands Out

Your research question is the backbone of your dissertation, guiding every stage of your study. It’s not just a matter of picking an interesting idea—it’s about framing a question that is innovative, focused, and impactful. A well-crafted research question sets the tone for the quality and relevance of your dissertation, shaping how your work contributes to your field. But what makes a research question truly stand out?

The Importance of a Great Research Question

Your research question isn’t just an academic formality; it’s the north star of your project. A strong question serves multiple purposes:

• Focus: It narrows the scope of your study, ensuring you don’t drift into unrelated topics.
• Relevance: It connects your research to existing gaps in the literature.
• Impact: It sets the stage for meaningful contributions to your field.

As Thomas and Hodges (2010) note, an effective research question is both specific and significant, offering a clear path forward while addressing a real need.

What Makes a Research Question Stand Out? 

To ensure your question is compelling, it should meet these criteria:

• Originality: Does it bring a fresh perspective or tackle an unexplored area?
  Example: Instead of asking, “How does social media affect mental health?” refine it to, “How does the use of Instagram by teenagers in urban environments shape their perceptions of body image over time?”
• Feasibility: Is the question manageable within your time, resources, and skills?
  Example: Avoid overly ambitious questions like “What are the effects of climate change on all agricultural industries worldwide?” Instead, focus on something like, “How do rising temperatures impact crop yields in Midwest corn farming communities?”
• Specificity: Is it clear and concise? Broad or vague questions dilute your focus.
  Example: Replace “What causes employee dissatisfaction?” with “How does the lack of remote work flexibility contribute to employee turnover in technology startups?”
• Relevance: Does it address a pressing need in your field or society? A strong research question connects your work to real-world problems.

Steps to Crafting a Research Question

When crafting a research question, follow these steps to ensure it’s impactful and achievable:

• Start Broad and Reflect on Interests: Begin with a broad area of interest. Think about the topics that excite you or align with your career goals. Reflect on personal and professional experiences that could inspire. Starting broadly helps you cast a wide net before narrowing it down.
• Review Existing Literature: Review the literature review in your field. Identify gaps, unresolved controversies, or areas lacking sufficient attention. This step helps situate your research within the broader academic conversation and ensures your question builds on established knowledge.
• Refine Through Brainstorming: Generate a list of possible questions without judgment. Use frameworks like “What,” “Why,” and “How” to guide your thought process. For example:
  • What: What phenomenon are you investigating?
  • Why: Why does this phenomenon matter?
  • How: How will you approach solving or analyzing it?
• Consider Feasibility: Assess the practicality of your question. Consider the time, resources, and skills needed to address it. Narrow down questions that align with your constraints while still offering depth.
• Test and Seek Feedback: Share your draft questions with peers, dissertation advisors, or mentors. Ask for feedback on clarity, relevance, and feasibility. Others may notice blind spots or suggest refinements that make your question stronger.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Even with careful planning, it’s easy to fall into traps when formulating your research question. Here’s how to avoid some of the most common mistakes:

• Avoid Being Too Broad: Broad questions are difficult to address in-depth and may lead to overwhelming amounts of data.
• Avoid Being Too Narrow: Overly specific questions limit your ability to generalize findings or uncover broader insights.
• Avoid Vagueness: Vague or poorly defined questions can lead to confusion and lack of direction.
• Avoid Ignoring Context: Questions that ignore key variables, such as cultural, temporal, or social factors, may lack depth.

Crafting a standout research question is an art and a science. For students seeking dissertation help, it requires balancing creativity with practicality and ambition with feasibility. A great research question doesn’t just guide your dissertation—it makes a statement about who you are as a scholar and what you value in your field. By focusing on originality, specificity, and relevance, you can create a question that not only leads to a successful dissertation but also positions you as a contributor to meaningful change.

3. Designing a Methodology That Innovates

Your dissertation’s qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods methodology isn’t just a technical blueprint—it’s where your creativity, rigor, and problem-solving skills shine. While the methodology provides a roadmap for how you’ll answer your research question, it also communicates your approach to innovation and your ability to navigate the complexities of your field. Designing a methodology that stands out isn’t just about following established norms—it’s about finding ways to make your work impactful, original, and forward-thinking.

Why Methodology Matters

Your methodology is where theory meets practice. It shows your committee, peers, and future readers that you’ve thought critically about how to gather, analyze, and interpret data. A well-designed methodology ensures:

• Credibility: Your results are valid, reliable, and trustworthy.
• Clarity: Your research process is transparent and reproducible.
• Relevance: Your methods are tailored to address your specific research question.

As Cresswell (2014) highlights, the methodology is also where researchers demonstrate their ability to adapt and innovate, blending established techniques with fresh approaches to meet the demands of their unique research contexts.

Steps to Designing an Innovative Methodology

Step 1: Start with a Strong Theoretical Framework: Ground your methods in a robust theoretical or conceptual framework. This framework isn’t just a formality; it’s the backbone that connects your research question to your methodology. For instance, if you’re exploring social dynamics, network theory can justify your use of social network analysis, ensuring your methods are aligned with a scholarly foundation (Maxwell, 2013).

Step 2: Explore New Data Sources: Innovation often begins with data. Instead of relying solely on traditional datasets, consider alternatives such as digital sources or user-generated content. For example, you might analyze social media discussions using text mining or leverage citizen science data to broaden your research base. Such sources not only provide fresh perspectives but can also uncover patterns that more conventional methods might miss (Mertens, 2009).

Step 3: Combine Multiple Methods: Mixed-methods research allows you to draw on the strengths of both qualitative and quantitative approaches. For instance, pairing in-depth interviews with statistical analysis can provide both context and generalizability, giving your study a richer, more nuanced foundation. Triangulating different data sources enhances credibility and strengthens your findings (Greene, 2007).

Step 4: Adapt Established Methods to New Contexts: Sometimes, innovation is as simple as applying traditional methods in novel ways. A classroom observation protocol, for example, can be retooled for virtual learning environments, allowing you to explore how engagement differs between physical and online settings. This kind of adaptation demonstrates both creativity and critical thinking (Cresswell, 2014).

Step 5: Leverage Emerging Technologies: Embracing new technologies can elevate your qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method methodology. For example, using machine learning algorithms to analyze large datasets or employing GIS tools to map environmental trends can add layers of sophistication and precision to your research. These tools are not just impressive—they can often yield insights that would be impossible through manual methods (Huutoniemi et al., 2010).

Step 6: Prioritize Ethical and Inclusive Practices: Innovation should never come at the expense of ethics or inclusivity. Designing methods that respect and empower participants ensures that your work is impactful and equitable. For instance, participatory action research invites marginalized communities to collaborate on shaping the research process, ensuring their voices are central to the outcomes (Mertens, 2009).

Overcoming Challenges in Innovative Methodologies

• Challenge 1: Lack of Precedent. One common challenge is the absence of prior studies to serve as a guide. To address this, draw parallels from related fields and justify your approach with theoretical support.
• Challenge 2: High Resource Demand. Innovative methods often require advanced tools or extensive funding. Partnering with institutions, securing grants, or utilizing open-source software can help manage costs.
• Challenge 3: Resistance to Change. Some may be skeptical of new methods. Demonstrating the added value of your approach, whether through better accuracy or broader applicability, can help overcome this resistance.

Designing a methodology that innovates is your chance to leave a mark on your field by pushing boundaries and challenging norms. By integrating emerging technologies, tailoring established methods, and prioritizing IRB’s ethical considerations, you can create a research process that not only answers your question but also opens new doors for future scholarship. Your methodology isn’t just a means to an end—it’s a testament to your ingenuity and scholarly vision.

4. Leveraging Collaboration and Mentorship

One of the most overlooked yet powerful strategies for creating a memorable and impactful dissertation is building strong relationships through collaboration and mentorship. Academia thrives on networks of shared knowledge, and your dissertation journey doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor. By engaging with others—whether they are mentors, peers, or even professionals outside your field—you can enrich your work, navigate challenges, and leave a legacy that benefits from collective wisdom.

The Value of Mentorship

Successful dissertations are dependent on a solid dissertation mentoring relationship. A good mentor offers more than technical expertise—they provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Here are key ways mentorship can elevate your dissertation:

• Feedback That Sharpens Your Ideas: A dissertation coach can provide constructive criticism that strengthens your arguments and refines your research methods. Their experience helps you see gaps you may have missed or consider alternative perspectives. For instance, studies show that students who receive regular feedback from their advisors are more likely to complete their dissertations successfully and on time (Wolff et al., 2014).
• Navigating Academic Norms: Every discipline has unwritten rules and expectations that can be challenging to navigate alone. Mentors can help you understand the norms for structuring your dissertation, publishing in reputable journals, or presenting your findings at conferences.
• Career Guidance Beyond the Dissertation: Mentors often serve as connectors to professional networks, opening doors for post-graduation opportunities. A strong mentor-student relationship can lead to co-authored publications, recommendations, or invitations to collaborative research projects.

Building Collaborative Relationships

Collaboration isn’t limited to mentorship. Working with peers, interdisciplinary teams, or even industry professionals can enrich your dissertation in surprising ways.

• Collaborating With Peers: Your fellow students can be invaluable allies during the dissertation process. Peer feedback groups allow you to workshop ideas in a supportive environment, while informal discussions can spark creative approaches to problems. Sharing experiences also builds camaraderie, making the process less isolating.
• Exploring Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Some of the most innovative dissertations result from collaborations that bridge multiple fields. Interdisciplinary research can offer fresh perspectives and solutions, positioning your work as a groundbreaking contribution. For example, a biology student exploring climate change impacts might benefit from collaborating with a biomedical data scientist to develop predictive models.
• Industry or Community Partnerships: If your research has practical applications, consider collaborating with industry leaders or community organizations. These partnerships not only enhance the real-world relevance of your dissertation but also provide valuable resources such as data, funding, or case studies.

Strategies for Effective Collaboration

To make the most of collaborative efforts, approach them strategically:

• Define Clear Roles and Expectations: Miscommunication can derail even the most promising collaborations. At the outset, agree on goals, roles, and timelines to ensure everyone is aligned.
• Be Open to Diverse Perspectives: Collaboration often involves working with people who approach problems differently. Embrace these differences—they can lead to innovative solutions and new ways of thinking about your research.
• Foster Mutual Respect: Respect for others’ expertise, time, and contributions is the foundation of successful collaborations. Ensure that your relationships are built on trust and reciprocity.

Extending Collaboration and Mentorship Into the Future

Your dissertation may have a deadline, but the relationships you build during the process can last a lifetime. Keep these relationships alive by:

• Maintaining Connections: Stay in touch with your mentors and collaborators after graduation. Send updates about your career progress, share publications, or offer to collaborate on future projects.
• Becoming a Mentor Yourself: Pay it forward by mentoring others as you advance in your career. Sharing your own dissertation experiences can inspire and guide the next generation of scholars.

Successful collaboration and mentorship are about recognizing that great research is rarely achieved in isolation. By seeking out the guidance of dissertation consultants or mentors, building collaborative networks, and fostering meaningful relationships, you amplify the impact of your dissertation. These connections not only enhance the quality of your research but also leave a legacy of collaboration that reflects the best of what academia has to offer.

5. Sharing and Promoting Your Work

Your dissertation is more than an academic milestone—it’s your opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to your field, spark conversations, and establish your voice as a researcher. However, for your work to have an impact, it needs to reach the right audience. Sharing and promoting your dissertation ensures that your months (or years) of effort don’t sit unnoticed in an institutional repository. Instead, your ideas can find their way into academic circles, industry discussions, and even public conversations. Below are actionable strategies to ensure your dissertation’s impact is as wide as it is meaningful.

Why Sharing Matters

Dissertations are often rich with valuable insights, yet too many go unread outside of a small academic circle. According to Covey (2009), effectively sharing your research creates opportunities for collaboration, attracts funding, and inspires future work in your field. Promotion isn’t just about visibility—it’s about ensuring your research makes a tangible difference, whether that’s advancing theoretical knowledge or solving real-world problems.

Strategies for Sharing and Promoting Your Dissertation

To ensure your dissertation reaches its full potential, consider the following approaches:

Publish in Academic Journals: One of the most effective ways to establish your credibility and contribute to your field is through journal publications.

• Target the Right Journals: According to Swales and Feak (2012), selecting journals that align with your dissertation’s focus and audience increases the chances of acceptance and impact. Journals with higher impact factors or niche relevance are particularly valuable.
• Adapt Your Work for Publication: Journals typically require concise, focused articles rather than full-length dissertation chapters. This may involve reworking your qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods section or reframing your findings. As noted by Kamler and Thomson (2014), crafting a strong, focused article often requires a significant shift in how you present your research.
• Consider Co-Authorship: Collaborating with your advisor or colleagues on your first journal article can streamline the process. Experienced co-authors can provide valuable insights on submission guidelines and peer review expectations.

Present at Conferences: Conferences are a dynamic way to share your research, gather feedback, and network with peers and experts.

• Choose Strategic Conferences: As Mason (2002) highlights, selecting conferences tailored to your field ensures you’re reaching the right audience. Look for both large, prestigious conferences and smaller, specialized events that allow for deeper conversations.
• Refine Your Presentation Skills: A clear and engaging presentation style is key to capturing your audience’s attention. Incorporate visuals, such as charts or infographics, to make your findings more accessible and impactful.
• Network Intentionally: Conferences are as much about building relationships as they are about sharing research. Be prepared to summarize your work in an “elevator pitch” for one-on-one conversations.

Use Digital Platforms to Expand Reach: The Internet offers a wealth of opportunities to promote your work beyond academic circles.

• Create a Personal Website: A personal site serves as a central hub for your research, including your dissertation abstract, journal publications, and academic achievements. This not only boosts visibility but also establishes your professional brand.
• Leverage Social Media: Platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn are particularly popular among academics. According to Veletsianos and Kimmons (2012), social media allows researchers to connect with broader audiences, share their findings in real-time, and engage in interdisciplinary conversations.
• Join ResearchGate or Academia.edu: These platforms help you share your work with other scholars, track its reach through downloads or citations, and foster academic discussions.

Transform Your Dissertation Into a Book: If your dissertation addresses a broad or timely topic, consider revising it into a book. According to Germano (2013), publishers are particularly interested in manuscripts that appeal to a wider audience, meaning your dissertation may need to be restructured and rewritten for broader accessibility. For example, reducing technical jargon and emphasizing the real-world implications of your findings can make your book more engaging to non-academic readers. When seeking a publisher, research those who specialize in your field and submit a well-crafted book proposal that outlines your project’s significance and audience. Additionally, consider open-access publishing options, which allow readers to freely access your work, significantly increasing its reach and influence.

• Engage Non-Academic Audiences: Your dissertation may have insights that resonate far beyond the academic sphere. Sharing your work with industry professionals, policymakers, or the public can significantly broaden its impact.
• Write Policy Briefs: Condense your findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers. These briefs should be concise, well-structured, and jargon-free.
• Collaborate With Community Organizations: Partnering with local groups or nonprofits can help you apply your research to real-world challenges. For example, if your dissertation examines educational inequality, you might work with schools or advocacy groups to implement your findings.
• Speak to General Audiences: Public talks, podcasts, or blog posts allow you to present your research in an accessible, engaging way. As Becker (2007) notes, translating complex ideas into everyday language is an essential skill for any researcher aiming to make an impact.

Measuring Your Impact: Promoting your dissertation is an ongoing process. To understand and amplify its reach:

• Monitor Citations: Tools like Google Scholar or ResearchGate can help track how your work is being used by others. A high citation count is often a sign that your research is influencing your field.
• Engage With Feedback: Whether it comes from journal readers, conference attendees, or online commenters, constructive feedback can spark new ideas or refine your arguments.
• Follow Up on Collaborations: Networking efforts at conferences or online can lead to long-term partnerships. Revisit these connections to explore potential projects or publications.

Sharing and promoting your dissertation is about taking your research beyond the boundaries of academia and ensuring it reaches the people and communities it can benefit most. By publishing in journals, presenting at conferences, leveraging digital platforms, and engaging with non-academic audiences, you can amplify your work’s impact and leave a legacy that truly matters. Your dissertation is more than an academic exercise—it’s a contribution to a larger conversation that continues long after graduation.

Conclusion

Your dissertation is far more than a degree requirement—it’s a testament to your intellectual journey and a meaningful contribution to your field. It captures your ability to identify complex problems, conduct rigorous research, and offer innovative solutions. However, this journey can be overwhelming, and seeking dissertation help ensures you have the guidance needed to navigate the process successfully. By partnering with a dissertation coach or leveraging dissertation services, you can focus on producing a dissertation that is not just a requirement but a cornerstone of your academic legacy.

The influence of your dissertation doesn’t end with its defense. Whether through publications, presentations, collaborations, or practical applications, your research has the potential to shape conversations, solve real-world problems, and drive progress. If you’re struggling to maximize your dissertation’s potential, our dissertation assistance and dissertation help service can support you at every stage—from refining your ideas to structuring your arguments and polishing your final draft. Don’t hesitate to seek help with dissertation writing or engage in dissertation consulting to ensure your work achieves the impact it deserves.

Ultimately, your dissertation represents not only the culmination of your academic efforts but also a reflection of your values, passions, and aspirations. With professional dissertation services by your side, you can craft a project that is impactful, memorable, and aligned with your goals. Treat it with the respect it deserves, and let us help you make it a lasting contribution—a conclusion to one chapter and the foundation of your legacy. Contact us today to take the next step toward dissertation success.

References

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Bolker, J. (1998). Writing your dissertation in fifteen minutes a day: A guide to starting, revising, and finishing your doctoral thesis. Henry Holt and Company.

Boote, D. N., & Beile, P. (2005). “Scholars before researchers: On the centrality of the dissertation literature review in research preparation.” Educational Researcher, 34(6), 3-15.

Covey, D. T. (2009). Scholarly communication: An introduction to the practices of publishing in academic disciplines. Association of Research Libraries.

Cresswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. SAGE Publications.

Germano, W. (2013). From dissertation to book. University of Chicago Press.

Greene, J. C. (2007). Mixed methods in social inquiry. Jossey-Bass.

Huutoniemi, K., Klein, J. T., Bruun, H., & Hukkinen, J. (2010). “Analyzing interdisciplinarity: Typology and indicators.” Research Policy, 39(1), 79-88.

Kamler, B., & Thomson, P. (2014). Helping doctoral students write: Pedagogies for supervision. Routledge.

Lovitts, B. E. (2005). “Being a good course-taker is not enough: A theoretical perspective on the transition to independent research.” Studies in Higher Education, 30(2), 137-154.

Mason, J. (2002). Qualitative researching (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.

Maxwell, J. A. (2013). Qualitative research design: An interactive approach. SAGE Publications.

McAlpine, L., & Amundsen, C. (2011). Doctoral education: Research-based strategies for doctoral students, supervisors and administrators. Springer.

Mertens, D. M. (2009). Transformative research and evaluation. Guilford Press.

Swales, J. M., & Feak, C. B. (2012). Academic writing for graduate students: Essential tasks and skills. University of Michigan Press.

Thomas, G., & Hodges, T. E. (2010). Designing and managing your research project: Core skills for social and health research. SAGE Publications.

Veletsianos, G., & Kimmons, R. (2012). “Networked participatory scholarship: Emergent techno-cultural pressures toward open and digital scholarship in online networks.” Computers & Education, 58(2), 766-774.

Wolff, D., Baum, P., Lemoine, N., & Snow, B. (2014). “The role of mentorship in graduate student success.” Journal of Graduate Education, 22(3), 45-58.