In this episode, Phyllis interviews Dr. Devon Powers, professor of Communication and Media at the University of Michigan. Known for her influential work on branding, consumer culture, and promotional industries, Dr. Powers offers insight into the evolving world of trend forecasting, both as a cultural practice and a speculative force.… Read More “Researching Trend Forecasting with Dr. Devon Powers”
Read MoreIn this episode, we find our host particularly giggly with Dr. Maggie M. Werner, professor of writing and rhetoric at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, as they explore the politics of language and writing. The conversation begins with Dr.… Read More “Researching Writing & Portmanteau Words with Dr. Maggie Werner ”
Read MoreIn this episode, Phyllis speaks with Professor Philippe Frowd, PhD, about his research on the politics of security and migration governance, particularly in the Sahel region of West Africa. Philippe shares his experiences accessing hard-to-reach participants, such as border guards and policymakers, using networks and unexpected encounters to build trust.… Read More “Navigating Risky Research with Philippe Frowd, PhD”
Read MoreIn this episode, Phyllis digs into what we can learn from error (our own and others) with the brilliant Dr. Michael Allan, a comparative literature professor at the University of Oregon. They kick things off with Mike’s latest research on late-19th-century filmmaker Alexandre Promio of the Lumière Brothers, unpacking what it means to “research an ellipsis.”… Read More “Researching an Ellipsis with Dr. Michael Allan”
Read MoreBelow is a checklist you can use to help guide your writing, whether it’s for a term paper, a thesis, or a peer-reviewed publication. Good papers should be able to answer yes to all of the questions.
by Vera Oko
Just like creative writers, academic writers experience writer’s block—a state where ideas and words refuse to flow, making writing feel impossible. In addition to this challenge, finding time to write and being in the right mood can be difficult.… Read More “Writing Prompts to Overcome Writer’s Block”
Read MoreDear Admissions/Grant Funding/Whatever committee,
My name is Phyllis Rippey and I’m applying for your program in _______________. blah blah blah…
Sincerely,
Phyllis Rippey
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop starting letters, statements of purpose, emails, or any other kind of persuasive writing by stating your name.… Read More “Please stop starting letters like this…”
Read Moreby Vera Oko
Since the late 20th century—and especially with the rise of Google, new technologies, and AI—the academic landscape has evolved to offer significant support to writers and researchers through a variety of tools, websites, and software. These advancements provide ease and assistance throughout the writing process, from crafting introductions and developing research questions to organizing ideas, structuring conclusions, and managing citations.… Read More “Five Online Tools for Doing Social Research”
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