Choosing your dissertation committee is one of the most important things you will do as a PhD student. They are your life lines, your guides and mentors, critical friends, and your biggest cheerleaders. Sadly for some, they are also "gate-keepers" and can create challenges for one of the most important phases of your doctoral journey. In this episode, Elissa J. talks about what approaches to use for selection criteria beginning in your first year and talks about considerations for actively making the right choices for your committee members. Show highlights include:

1.Timing and planning

2.Research interest(s)

3.Range of expertise, frameworks, & scholarship

4.Personalities and communication styles

5.Engaging with other departments & even outside faculty

6.Interpersonal dynamics of committee members