For today’s Scholar Spotlight, we interview Dr. Ashanté M. Reese, an assistant professor in the department of Geography and Environmental Sciences at UMBC. During the interview, we discuss her recent book, Black Food Geographies: Race, Food, Access, and Self-Reliance, which explores the issue of food access in urban areas. Dr. Reese also provides insight into the process of transforming PhD research into a book, shares how she situated her work within the larger field of anthropology, and offers advice on choosing the right academic press.

Resources: 

• Black Food Geographies: Race, Food, Access, and Self-Reliance: https://www.uncpress.org/book/9781469651507/black-food-geographies/

In this episode, Daphne and Rachel are joined by Dr. Riddhi Bhandari, a Zuzana Simoniova Cmelikova Visiting Scholar at the Jepson School of Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond. In addition to discussing her research, Dr. Bhandari also shares her experience of navigating academia and the job market as an international scholar. 

In the latest installment of Ask Ebony Anything, Daphne and Rachel offer advice to prospective graduate students interested in beginning the PhD application process (4:30), provide tips on how to get a glowing letter of recommendation (14:10), offer insight into selecting between and negotiating with graduate programs before the April 15th deadline (21:40), and provide guidance on preparing for the dissertation defense (30:50). 

Resources

-Pomodoro Technique: https://francescocirillo.com/pages/pomodoro-technique

For today’s Scholar Spotlight, Daphne and Rachel interview Dr. Anthony Abraham Jack about his new book, The Privileged Poor: How Elite Colleges are Failing Disadvantaged Students. In addition to discussing important findings and implications from his book (15:00), Dr. Jack also provides insight into his academic journey (1:17) and the experiences that shaped his research agenda (9:00). Finally, the professor offers advice on finishing the dissertation (21:05), writing a book proposal and securing a publisher (30:05), and navigating the job market (37:50). 

Learn more about and connect with Dr. Anthony Abraham Jack: 

Website: https://anthonyabrahamjack.com 

Instagram: AAJack07 

Twitter: @tony_jack 

Book: http://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674976894 

In this episode of Tales from the Tower, Whitney shares her story of managing postpartum complications, dismissive healthcare providers, a diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy, and parenthood while also navigating graduate school. Whitney, Daphne, and Rachel also discuss how race and social capital shape the healthcare experiences and outcomes of black women. 

 *This episode is sponsored by Taupe Coat. Visit their site today: www.taupecoat.com*

Resources: 

Why America's Black Mothers and Babies Are in a Life-or-Death Crisis - https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/11/magazine/black-mothers-babies-death-maternal-mortality.html

Black Mothers Respond to Our Cover Story on Maternal Mortality - https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/19/magazine/black-mothers-respond-to-our-cover-story-on-maternal-mortality.html 

Preeclampsia Strikes African American Women Hard - https://www.preeclampsia.org/get-involved/advocacy-efforts/53-health-information/532-preeclampsia-strikes-african-american-women-hard

In this new installment of Ask Ebony Anything, Daphne and Rachel begin by discussing the professional and financial considerations that prospective graduate students should take into account when deciding to pursue a PhD at a for-profit college (1:24). They then shift gears and provide insight into maintaining long-distance relationships while in graduate school (9:20). The pair also give advice on structuring the CV (16:09) and provide guidance on how to handle friends and family members who can’t seem to comprehend why you’re still in graduate school (23:10).  

*This episode is sponsored by Taupe Coat. Visit their site today: www.taupecoat.com*

Episode Description: In this episode, Daphne and Rachel discuss the latest news and gossip in higher education, including how the government shutdown has impacted academic researchers, the controversial Notre Dame job ad, and the consequences of free speech in the academy. They then discuss the question of the day related to the role that academics of color play in addressing issues of race and diversity in higher education. 

*This episode is sponsored by Taupe Coat. Visit their site today: www.taupecoat.com*

Episode Description: Have you ever been placed in a situation where you needed to stand up for yourself but also wanted to avoid the “angry POC” label? In this episode, Omar shares his tale about managing stereotypes in the classroom while also standing up for what’s right. 

*This episode is sponsored by Taupe Coat. Visit their site today: www.taupecoat.com*

On this episode of Tales from the Tower, Keyshia shares her story about managing depression, anxiety, and a difficult advising relationship in graduate school. Following her tale, Daphne, Keyshia, and Rachel discuss strategies that promote mental, social, and physical well-being in graduate school. If you’re interested in anonymously sharing your tale, reach out to us at [email protected]. 

*This episode is sponsored by Taupe Coat. Visit their site today: www.taupecoat.com*

On this episode of Tea from the Tower, we speak with The Student Loan Doctor, Sonia Lewis, about budgeting, our biggest student loan mistakes, how and when to start paying off your debts, and things to avoid when deciding to take out a student loan. Sonia shares some really honest advice on the impacts of student loan debt on women of color, the importance of weighing the implications of using large loans sums to fund your education, and even delivers some gems Sally Mae not want you to know...(see what we did there). 

Resources: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestudentloandoctor/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestudentloandoctorllc/ 

Website: http://www.thestudentloandoctorllc.com 

*This episode is sponsored by Taupe Coat. Visit their site today: www.taupecoat.com*