Alumnae Share Experiences on the Road to Earning PhDs

On November 7, four recent graduates from Emmanuel College’s School of Science and Health returned to campus to share their experiences as PhD candidates.

The panel, organized by the Women in Science Initiative at Emmanuel (WISE), offered insights into navigating the rigors of graduate school while emphasizing the importance of leveraging confidence, establishing support systems, and maintaining personal well-being.

Rylie Bolarinho ’22, who is conducting infrared spectroscopy research at Boston University, began the discussion by recounting her path to research. Her focus requires her to combine physical chemistry and electrical engineering, a blend of disciplines that she initially found challenging. "I came to Emmanuel as a pre-med student but quickly realized medical school wasn’t for me," she said, explaining how her summer research experience ignited her passion for scientific inquiry. Rylie noted the value of embracing unknowns and building confidence along the way. "I had no background in electrical engineering, but I learned to build my confidence step by step. Emmanuel’s supportive environment helped; I never felt judged for asking questions."

Work-Life Balance and Well-Being

Carrie Rodriguez ’21, who is researching lung cancer therapies at MIT, echoed Rylie’s sentiments. She highlighted the importance of confidence in graduate school, noting that asking the right questions is a skill learned over time. "You learn that asking good questions is something you practice and builds your confidence," Carrie explained. "Being enthusiastic and putting yourself out there can really open doors, even when it feels uncomfortable."

For Sydney Iacoi ‘20, a second-year clinical psychology student focusing on cognition and executive functioning at the University of Rhode Island, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential in overcoming the pressures of graduate school. She stressed that graduate school doesn’t have to come at the cost of happiness and well-being. "It’s about finding a balance and remembering to take a deep breath."

When a student asked Sydney about her experience as a woman of color in psychology, she offered powerful advice: "In psychology, the majority is white women, so I’d advise making sure you’re confident in yourself and giving yourself space to feel discomfort. Seek support from others who understand your experience,” she said. "The imposter syndrome can be real but remind yourself that you’re here for a reason. It’s essential to bring your authentic self into your work. If your culture is important to you, integrate it into your research and work."

Mentorship and the Role of Support Networks

Dallis Sergio ’19, who is in a neurobiology lab focused on pathobiology at Brown University, also provided an insightful lesson: taking care of your mental and emotional health is vital. Reflecting on her experience transitioning into graduate school, she admitted, "I didn’t make time for the things I loved, like ballet and crafts, and I noticed the difference. Grad school is demanding, but keeping your hobbies alive is key for staying healthy and mentally engaged."

Dallis also shared how Dr. Padraig Deighan, Associate Professor of Biology and an influential mentor from her time at Emmanuel, encouraged her to pursue a PhD. As a first-generation college student, Dallis didn’t initially understand what a PhD entailed or what it would mean for her future. "Dr. Deighan believed in me even when I wasn’t sure what the next step looked like," Dallis said. "His encouragement helped me realize that a PhD was within my reach, and now, here I am."

The discussion also touched on the importance of building strong support networks. Lab environments can be very different from each other, depending on the dynamics. Carrie shared that she learned a valuable lesson about seeking out positive and supportive spaces and found an all-female lab to be a positive and empowering experience.

Similarly, Rylie talked about the importance of finding mentors and creating a support system. "Building a support system inside and outside the lab has been key. It’s about building self-confidence and knowing your worth."

Sydney’s advice for students who may face challenges with professors or in lab environments was equally empowering. "Trust your instincts and seek support when you need it. I switched labs in my first semester, which was a tough decision, and in the end, it was the right decision," she said.

Staying True to Oneself and Seeking Help

The common thread running through the conversation was the importance of staying true to oneself, embracing challenges with confidence, and recognizing when it’s time to seek help or change environments. Dallis underscored this point. "It’s empowering to know that you have control over where you choose to be and who you choose to work with," she said.

Ultimately, the panelists encouraged the current students in the audience to prioritize their well-being and personal growth as they pursue their academic and professional goals. "The road to a PhD is long, but it’s also about growth—both academically and personally," said Rylie. "So, stay confident, stay true to yourself, and remember to ask for help when you need it."