SSWR Research, Inspire, Support, and Excel (RISE) Seminar

Overview of R.I.S.E The SSWR Research Capacity Development Committee (RCDC) Research, Inspire, Support, and Excel (R.I.S.E.) Seminar is a full-day workshop designed to support doctoral students in developing their dissertation proposals. The seminar provides structured mentoring and peer feedback, helping students strengthen their research and professional development skills. The program will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the SSWR 2026 Annual Conference in Washington, DC.

Structure and Participation Expectations The seminar will host 15 doctoral students and 5 mentors, pairing students into groups of 3 students with 1 mentor based on their substantive topics and research expertise. To address different needs at various stages of doctoral education, the groups will be structured as follows:

Each participant will submit a dissertation proposal or dissertation chapter for peer and mentor feedback. Students and mentors will read assigned submissions and prepare comments before the seminar to ensure an engaging and productive discussion. During the seminar, scholars and mentors will participate in structured discussions to help scholars refine their work. The seminar will consist of morning and afternoon discussions on dissertation proposals and chapters. This time will also include a professional development lunch session, where mentors will lead discussions on topics such as securing funding, writing for publication, and preparing an academic job talk.-Coupet, PhD, Georgia State University, Co-chair Greer Hamilton, PhD, University of Michigan, Co-chair Justin Harty, PhD, Arizona State University Brad Linn, PhD, Pennsylvania State University Laurenia Mangum, PhD, University of Illinois Chicago