Doctoral Degree Research Articles

RISING MINORITIZED DOCTORAL STUDENTS IN ENGINEERING: WHO ARE THEIR MENTORS AND WHAT ROLES DO THEY FILL?

Mentors are key to the academic success of engineering graduate students, and particularly historically marginalized graduate students. To continue to enhance and improve mentoring experiences in order to support minoritized students to persist in their doctoral degrees, it is important to understand who is mentoring minoritized students regarding enrollment in doctoral programs and what expectations these students have for mentoring in graduate school. We used interviews and focus groups to explore who students cite as mentors and who they expect to fill this role once entering the doctoral pursuit. We used a theoretical framework organized around different support and challenge roles that dissertation advisors might play to understand the different roles these mentors played. We found various roles in which a variety of mentors influence minoritized students enrolling in doctoral programs, including family, informal undergraduate mentors, and peers, as those who support their decision to enroll. Our findings also detail the expectations of rising minoritized students for future advisors.

Leaders' Degree of Strategic Improvisation Practice from Education Employees' Perspective

The study aimed to investigate the degree to which leaders in the Ministry of Education practice strategic improvisation from the perspective of the ministry's employees. It also sought to identify the significance of differences in their responses based on gender, academic qualification, and years of experience. A descriptive survey method was employed, with a questionnaire as the tool for data collection. The study population included all employees at the Jordanian Ministry of Education headquarters, totaling 1,510 individuals, from which 305 employees were selected using the stratified random sampling method. The findings revealed that the practice of strategic improvisation by leaders in the Jordanian Ministry of Education and its dimensions—intuition, creativity, adaptation to change, and risk perception—was of a moderate level. In addition, the study indicated statistically significant differences at the (α ≤ 0.05) level in the average responses of the study sample regarding the degree of strategic improvisation practice by ministry leaders in the four dimensions. These differences were attributed to the academic qualification variable, in favor of employees with doctoral and master's degrees, and the years of experience variable, in favor of those with long and medium experience. However, no difference was found based on the gender variable. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education adopt an organizational culture that encourages strategic improvisation by emphasizing intuition, creativity, adaptation to change, and risk perception while granting sufficient authority to ministry leaders to practice strategic improvisation in ways that enhance workflow and improve the quality of outcomes.

Discovery of Knowledge in Practice.

Given the number of occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) programs and graduates with professional doctoral degrees, the concept of practice scholarship is increasingly important. The scholarly work of occupational therapy practitioners guided by a research model is appropriate for those who have trained as researchers or OTD students and practitioners receiving mentorship from occupational therapy research scientists. A research model of scholarship may not fit the scholarly work of most occupational therapy practitioners with an OTD. We propose the Scholarship of Knowledge Discovery in Practice model, which emphasizes how contextual factors influence the generation and application of knowledge, particularly in addressing feasibility and sustainability challenges when integrating evidence into practice. This model prioritizes discovery when solving practice problems through quality improvement, program development, and innovation. OTD students and occupational therapy practitioners may use this model in generating scholarly work through capstones and ongoing enactment of the scholarly role. The recognition of practice scholarship as making important contributions to the profession may generate multiple vehicles through which to disseminate the discovery of knowledge in practice.

Ph.D. Publication Requirement and Its Effects on Research Productivity Trends in Kazakhstan

ABSTRACTThe growing pressure to ‘publish or perish’, experienced by academia around the world, has pushed an increasing number of individual graduate programmes and universities, as well as entire higher education systems, to introduce a publication requirement as a prerequisite for the conferral of doctoral degrees. One example of the implementation of the requirement at the country level is Kazakhstan. This paper sheds light on the experience with publication requirement policies implemented at the country level by using bibliometric data from Scopus to statistically explore the effects of Ph.D. publication requirement policy on publication productivity trends in Kazakhstan. The findings reveal that the policy has increased the number of publications but has lowered the impact of research. The study suggests that measures focused on methodological training and improving the research capacity of future scholars may be more effective in strengthening the research competitiveness of countries than outcome‐focused policies.

THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA DEPARTMENT OF GERONTOLOGY: LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT 50 YEARS

Abstract In 2023, the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) Department of Gerontology celebrated its 50 year anniversary. Since 1973, the department has been the primary provider of gerontological education in the state, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral degrees in gerontology. In this presentation, we will discuss how UNO Gerontology has grown its programs, particularly through partnerships with public and private stakeholders at the national, state, and local levels, in order to train the professionals who work with and on behalf of older Nebraskans. We will also describe how we expect these partnerships to evolve to meet the needs of our growing aging population.

ЕТИЧНІ АСПЕКТИ ВИКОРИСТАННЯ МЕТОДІВ ПСИХОЛОГІЧНОЇ ЕКСПЕРТИЗИ

Psychological evaluation is the first and very important stage of the work of a practical psychologist. Studies have demonstrated the benefits of psychodiagnostic assessment both directly on psychosocial outcomes and on the therapeutic process of psychological counseling (eg, client engagement, therapeutic alliance, compliance, etc.). People often experience an improvement in mood following a psychodiagnostic session with a psychologist, with repeat measurement showing reductions in anxiety and depression, potentially due to the benefits of emotional expression and measurement, as well as client contact. Under such conditions, the role of ethical principles of psychological examination is actualized. The purpose of this article is to define the key ethical aspects in psychological diagnosis and examination. Psychological testing is used in a variety of situations, making it one of the most exciting applications of psychology today. The research found that whether it's for employee selection or trying to determine whether a person is fit to stand trial, psychological testing raises many legal and ethical issues, including privacy and fairness. In Ukraine, the code of ethics in psychodiagnostics is not as widespread as, for example, in the USA. In the United States, laws on the certification or licensing of psychologists have been adopted to address the question of the qualifications of a psychologist who can conduct testing. Most states have the following requirements for specialists: a doctoral degree in psychology, experience working under the guidance of a mentor, and satisfactory completion of a qualifying examination. In Ukraine, ethical standards are different in different professional psychological communities, and efforts are still needed to create a single ethical narrative that would be used both in psychological diagnosis and in psychological counseling. Prospects for further research are the determination of the specifics of ethical codes of psychologists working in the field of psychological expertise in Ukraine.

“COVID-19 - POSTCOVID SYNDROME” PANDEMIC: HARD LESSONS

The author presents an analysis of the pandemic caused by the coronavirus “COVID-19” and its consequences from two points of view: based on 20 years of scientific and practical experience in the field of virology (the degree of Doctor of Medical Sciences in Virology and Biochemistry through the Higher Attestation Commission, for the development of a new generation of purified influenza vaccines). And 30 years of experience in leech therapy and hirudology. His assets include the creation of the first in Russia and the world department of leech therapy, the creation of an original technology for treatment with medical leeches – «System Method of Leeching».

Contemporary clarinet repertoire from Finland and the United States: new ways of artistic expression and a study of sociocultural differences

This doctoral research project examined artistic and sociocultural aspects of Finnish and American contemporary music performance practice in repertoire for clarinet. The main themes that emerged from this research were notation as culture practice, shared ownership, performer agency, and performance practice as a refection of cultural values. The doctoral degree consisted of three live performances, a CD recording entitled Duel, and a dissertation, The Musical Anthropologist.

A Qualitative Study on the Challenges in Doctoral Education Encountered by Full-time Working PhD Students

In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the number of students enrolling in higher education institutions worldwide. In this respect, full-time working PhD students emerged as a new trend. However, working at a job while studying for a doctorate degree can be challenging. In this context, this research aimed to investigate the difficulties full-time working PhD students face in doctoral education. A phenomenological approach was used in this study. This study used the criterion sampling method to select a sample of full-time PhD students. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 participants, consisting of open-ended questions. According to the analysis of research data, the challenges experienced by full-time working PhD students during their doctoral education are "time management problems", "workplace problems arising from high expectations and negative attitudes", "transportation and attendance problems", "problems performing and focusing" "problems getting support and help". Individuals who work in a related field to the one in which they study, as well as those currently employed in higher education institutions, reported fewer challenges during their doctoral education. It has been determined that the most common problem is time management. Psychoeducation programs can be helpful them to adapt to challenging time schedules.

Nicholas (Nicolae) Dima(1936 - )

Nicholas (Nicolae) Dima (b. 1936) grew up in Bucharest during the Stalinist years of communism. At the age of 19, he attempted to escape to Yugoslavia and the West. He was caught at the border and spent the next three and a half years in prison and labor camps. (His misadventure is described in the book Journey to Freedom / Călătorie spre libertate.) Later, however, he managed to graduate from Bucharest University, and in 1968, he left the country and settled in the U.S., where he returned to school and received a doctoral degree from Columbia University in New York. His American professional career includes working for 20 years with Voice of America in Washington, as well as teaching at colleges, universities, and U.S. military schools for another ten years. Among his most rewarding achievements were meeting kings, presidents, and prime ministers as a VOA reporter and editor, teaching American officers up to the rank of full colonel, teaching in the U.S. and Africa, and promoting democracy, education, and human values worldwide. N. Dima tirelessly defended the rights of Romania and the Romanian people in the U.S. and worked to promote better Romanian-American understanding.

Motivation and Learning Characteristics of Teachers Pursuing Doctoral Degrees in Chinese Higher Vocational Colleges

Motivation and Learning Characteristics of Teachers Pursuing Doctoral Degrees in Chinese Higher Vocational Colleges

Beyond one doctorate: evaluating the benefits, costs, and motivations of pursuing a second PhD

The pursuit of a second PhD is an emerging yet controversial phenomenon within higher education. This paper explores the motivations, benefits, costs, and challenges associated with acquiring a second doctoral degree. Individuals are primarily driven by intellectual curiosity, career transitions, and the need for interdisciplinary expertise to address complex global challenges. The study highlights significant benefits, such as enhanced interdisciplinary research opportunities, broader skill acquisition, and improved professional prospects in specialized fields. However, these advantages come with substantial costs, including financial strain, time commitments, and the risk of diminishing returns in terms of employability and societal perceptions of over qualification. Institutional constraints, such as limited funding opportunities and policy gaps, further complicate the decision to pursue a second PhD. While the literature highlights the potential value of dual expertise in addressing interdisciplinary problems, alternative pathways, such as postdoctoral research, professional certifications, and executive education, are suggested as viable options to achieve similar objectives. The paper concludes that while a second PhD may offer meaningful benefits in specific contexts, individuals must carefully evaluate its practical utility against personal aspirations and career objectives. Future research should examine the long-term impacts of multiple doctorates on career trajectories and global research innovation.

FEATURES OF TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION OF FORENSIC NURSES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SPECIALTY IN THE WORK OF THE FORENSIC SERVICE OF UKRAINE

Currently, the system of responding to cases of violence in Ukraine is not perfect, but international experience has practices that can significantly facilitate the process of working with victims of sexual or gender-based violence, in particular in wartime. One of these areas is forensic nursing. Purpose of the study: to consider the possibilities and features of the conditions for certification of forensic nurses in Ukraine based on literary sources and the existing training program for this specialty in the United States of America. Materials and methods: a selection of literary sources and the “Final Report on the Assessment of Needs in Forensic Nursing in Ukraine” of the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) were used as materials. Research methods: analytical, descriptive, bibliographic. Research results and their discussion. Forensic nurses-experts in sexual violence are the main providers of assistance to victims who have suffered from violence and harassment in the United States. They typically work closely with physicians, law enforcement, lawyers, and other providers of best practices to ensure that standards of medical and legal care are met. Training is multidisciplinary, involving forensic specialists, human rights organizations, a police service involved in providing forensic care to victims, and includes the study of many disciplines. Nurses trained in forensic medicine are able to provide a wider range of services to victims of violence: from the use of nursing skills such as: communication, questioning, empathy - to conducting biomedical investigations, coordinating an interdisciplinary team, examining and interpreting trauma, examining for sexual violence, assessing complex circumstances, and more. Conclusions: Educational training for forensic nurses involves a multidisciplinary approach. It can be carried out in the form of undergraduate and graduate programs, advanced training courses and doctoral degrees in this field. According to the experience of the United States of America in this area, the most acceptable model for obtaining the profession of forensic nurse is postgraduate education after obtaining a certificate in the specialty "Nursing".

What If…The Impact of Institutional Accreditation on PA Programs Transitioning to an Entry-Level Professional Doctorate Degree.

There are several ramifications of a potential degree transition to an entry-level doctoral degree for Physician Assistant (PA) programs. The purpose of this article is to investigate the impact on institutional accreditation and transitioning to an entry level doctoral degree. To understand the potential impact on racial diversity, a subset of programs was further reviewed. The Standards from the Accreditation Review Commission for PA Education (ARC-PA) and the six Institutional Accreditation commissions that recognize institutions were reviewed. The accreditation outcomes from all ARC-PA accredited programs' institutions were reviewed. The majority of PA programs, including those that graduate the highest diverse populations of PAs, are already recognized as comprehensive or doctoral degree granting institutions. This means they would likely not encounter significant accreditation challenges in an application to transition. Most PA programs meet the requirements for credit hour, length of program, and expectations of 'substantial mastery' of the content in the curriculum to satisfy institutional accreditation requirements at the professional doctoral degree level. The faculty qualifications and level of scholarship required would need to be in compliance with the institutional accreditor's expectations. This paper highlighted the general institutional accreditation requirements that would need to be met in order to establish a PA doctoral program. Fortunately, the standards tend to be broad and if the PA program can meet ARC-PA Standards, it is likely the institutional accreditor standards would be satisfied.

The medical doctor (degree) apprenticeship

The medical doctor (degree) apprenticeship

Black Men’s Gendered Racial Equity Ethic: Examining Its Impact on Career Motivations, Interests, and Future Goals

Black men are underrepresented as trainees and faculty within graduate-level helping professions (e.g., psychology and counseling). One strategy for reducing this underrepresentation is to understand the motivating factors that attract Black men to helping fields and integrate these motivating factors into recruitment and retention interventions targeting this group. However, limited career research has explicitly focused on the motivations of Black men pursuing graduate education in psychology. Integrating McGee and Bentley’s Equity Ethic framework, the current study draws on 27 semi-structured interviews with Black men in counseling psychology doctoral programs to examine their motivations for pursuing a doctoral degree in a helping profession, their clinical and research interests, and their future career goals. Using reflexive thematic analysis, findings supported the presence of a Gendered Racial Equity Ethic that impacted all aspects of Black men’s professional journeys. Implications for research and practice supporting Black men’s career development in psychology fields are outlined.

Time and doctoral degrees wait for no one: an autoethnography on the creation of a culture of support in an online EdD program amidst a global pandemic

Purpose March 2020 signaled school closures and moves online for many institutions, but an online EdD program at a midsize, Christian university featured fewer than-expected programmatic changes. Because of its modality, program operations continued with relatively few changes. Although COVID-19-related campus closures did not interrupt these students’ scheduled courses, they substantively impacted their personal and professional lives. As a result, the authors in the program-specific writing center serving these students found themselves helping them navigate not only stresses related to the already-strenuous task of writing a dissertation but also personal and professional anxieties related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to explore and reflect on the strategies employed by a program‐specific writing center to support doctoral students during the COVID‐19 pandemic, focusing on relaxed scheduling policies, emotional support beyond writing, and fostering deeper interpersonal connections to address the unique challenges students faced during this period. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted an autoethnographic exploration of their experiences to consider and examine effective strategies for supporting students in times of stress. The authors guided this inquiry by reviewing logs, notes and video recordings of sessions held or rescheduled in Spring 2020. Findings The authors identified three major themes in how they adjusted their approach to considering the pandemic: relaxed scheduling policies, emotional support beyond the writing process by permitting students to set the writing aside while they focused on the more immediate concerns emerging from the rapid onset of pandemic life and intentionally using the opportunity to form deeper interpersonal connections with students in their home environments. Originality/value As institutions reflect on lessons learned during pandemic stresses, closures and mandates, intentional exploration and reflection allow for a greater understanding of what improvements the authors can make to future practice. This uniquely positioned study offers a valuable perspective on supporting students through crisis.

Book Review: Olena Fialko, Amazons: Myths and Reality, 2023. Kyiv: Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 434 p., ill. [in Ukrainian: Олена Фіалко, Амазонки: міф або реальність, Київ: Інститут археології Національної академії наук України, 2023, 434 с., іл.], ISBN 978-617-7810-35-2

The Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine has published Olena Fialko’s book Amazons: Myths and Reality. Actually, it is a publication of the author’s thesis for the degree of Doctor of Historical Sciences, which she successfully defended in 2020 at the Institute in Kyiv.

Information of interest for studyng doctoral degrees at the University of Sevilla (EIDUS)

This animation tries to show information about how to study a PhD at the University of Seville. The International Doctoral School: doctoral modalities, regulations and enrolment procedure. Da difusión del proceso de admisión a los posibles interesados en cursar estudios de doctorado en la US. Es idóneo para entender el proceso de solicitud de admisión a los programas de doctorado de la US. Facilita el acceso a los estudios de doctorado y hacer más accesible a los interesados el funcionamiento del proceso.

Associations between socio-economic, demographic, and anthropometric factors and physical frailty in outpatient patients aged 65 and older: data from the Russian EVKALIPT Study

Background: Currently, the number of elderly and senile patients is steadily increasing. Physical frailty significantly worsens prognosis in this population, making the evaluation of its relationship with socio-economic, demographic, and anthropometric factors a pertinent area of study. Aim: To examine the associations between socio-economic, demographic, and anthropometric factors and physical frailty in outpatient patients aged 65 and older. Materials and methods: A sub-analysis of the EVKALIPT study included 2,553 outpatient patients aged 65 and older (mean age 76.9 years, 32.2% men). Participants were divided into three age subgroups: 65–74 years, 75–84 years, and 85 years and older. A two-stage comprehensive geriatric assessment was conducted: the first stage involved a questionnaire on socio-economic status, and the second stage involved an objective examination using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Physical frailty was defined based on SPPB results as follows: 10–12 points indicated no frailty (“robust” patients), 8–9 points indicated pre-frailty (“pre-frail” patients), and ≤ 7 points indicated physical frailty. Results: Total SPPB scores ranged from 0 to 12 (median 7, interquartile range 4–9), with the prevalence of physical frailty at 58%. Patients with physical frailty had poorer socio-economic status. Multivariate regression analysis identified eight independent factors associated with physical frailty: age (per year), female sex, absence of a partner, disability, educational level as an ordinal variable (1 to 6, where 1 is no education and 6 is a doctoral degree), past blood donation, continued employment, and material resources as an ordinal variable (1 to 3, where 1 is low and 3 is high). Conclusions: In outpatient patients aged 65 and older, physical frailty is associated with socio-economic, demographic, and anthropometric factors. High levels of education, past blood donation, continued employment, and high material resources were found to have a protective effect against physical frailty.