In today's episode, we interview Rima Kaddoura. She is  a PhD in Epidemiology candidate at the American University of Beirut (AUB) and mother a three-year-old boy. As a PhD candidate in Lebanon and academic mom, she has faced major difficulties: a revolution, economic collapse, deterioration of basic infrastructure, the Beirut blast, and COVID-19.

We learn about Rima's career path, her research - and how her research has been affected by the recent events in her country. We also learn about what it is like to do a PhD in Lebanon, and what the requirements for the part-time PhD program at AUB are. We also learn from Rima's experience as an academic parent, and how she has been able to balance her work, part-time PhD studies, and parenting. Finally, we hear her best advice for PhD candidates, what a day in the life looks like, her way of setting boundaries to work, and the impact of COVID-19.

References

• American University of Beirut - AUB
• Comprehensive exam
• Thesis proposal
• Find Rima on Twitter 
• MS Thesis Publication 
• Relevant reference for PhD project 
• Lebanon’s economic crisis explained