Navigating the various roles and responsibilities of a graduate program can be disorienting and stressful. As a result, graduate students may find themselves unthinkingly adapting to social norms, doubting their own capacities, or losing the sense of joy that comes from good work. In this interactive 90-minute workshop, we will learn how contemplative approaches to research, teaching, and daily life can enhance our wellbeing as scientists, scholars, teachers, and students. Drawing from both the art and science of human flourishing, we will learn theories and techniques for thriving in graduate school and postdoc training, for fostering meaningful and inspiring relationships to our work, and for maintaining integrity with ourselves and our peers as we embark upon this transformational academic journey.
Instructor:
Karolyn Kinane, PhD- Associate Director for Faculty Engagement and Pedagogy, Contemplative Sciences Center
Previously, Karolyn served as professor and chair of the English Department at Plymouth State University (PSU), New Hampshire, where she researched and taught Medieval Studies, English literature, and contemplative reading and writing. Over her thirteen years at PSU, Karolyn served as founding co-director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, director of the Medieval and Renaissance Forum, and founding director of Contemplative Communities, a cross- campus initiative that helps students, faculty, staff, and community members explore and develop agency, resilience, purpose, and mindfulness.