Audio Note: You may notice some brief sound dipping when Janelle is speaking in parts of the episode. We sincerely apologize for the audio inconsistency and appreciate your grace as we continue improving the production quality of the show.

In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, Shani Strader, a second-year PhD student at the UAB School of Nursing, unpacks what it truly means to pursue a PhD as a Black queer woman in today’s academic climate. Through her journey of becoming a nurse-scientist, Shani shares the heart behind her decision to pursue a PhD and the notion that "giving up isn't an option" when the light at the end of the tunnel seems non-existent.

We explore the realities of applying to graduate school, choosing the right program, securing research funding, and navigating predominantly white academic spaces. We explore the emotional labor of existing at the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality especially in a political climate where identity erasure and attacks on diversity, equity, and LGBTQ+ communities are increasingly visible. Shani speaks candidly about what it feels like to have parts of your identity questioned, minimized, or “watered down” in academic and research spaces and how she protects her authenticity despite those pressures.

They also discuss the importance of self-advocacy, mentorship, and community support, as well as recognizing when professional mental health support is not just helpful, but necessary. This episode is a powerful reminder that earning a PhD is more than intellectual work; it’s emotional, political, and deeply personal.