WERA: World Education Research Association Doctoral and Early Career Network’s Post

Bonnie Irwin Today is Sunday, I figured the best way to reach you might be what influencers have done in the past. From this point forward, everyday I will write one post in order to reach you. Today marks the beginning of a series of reflections on my journey and contributions to the world of academia and beyond. As a Quant Economist, Applied Scientist, Philosopher, Physicist, and Venture Capitalist, my work has always been driven by a passion for integrative hermeneutical research and a commitment to advancing knowledge across multiple disciplines. Throughout my career, I have embodied the principles of an ENTJ-A personality: strategic vision, decisive action, and a relentless drive for excellence. This has enabled me to lead groundbreaking research projects, develop innovative theories, and implement practical solutions to complex policy issues. My work in Quantum Economic Theory of Intelligence (QETI) exemplifies this approach. By integrating quantum mechanics, economics, and theories of intelligence, I have opened new avenues for understanding and optimizing intelligence as an economic resource. This innovative framework is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research and strategic thinking. Although my affiliation with UH Hilo has been more recent, my commitment to contributing to its academic community has been unwavering. I have consistently sought to inspire and mentor the next generation of scholars and leaders, fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity and innovation. One area I am particularly passionate about is improving accessibility to resources for non-traditional and non-classified students. The current financial aid programs do not actively support students from these backgrounds, posing significant barriers to their academic success. This issue extends beyond individual challenges and highlights broader DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) concerns that we must address. Emeritus status would not only honor my contributions but also provide a platform to advocate for these crucial changes, ensuring that all students have the support they need to thrive. I look forward to sharing more about my journey and the impact of my work in the coming days. Stay tuned for more insights and reflections. #UHHilo #QuantEconomics #Emeritus #Leadership #InnovativeResearch #ENTJ #DEI #Accessibility

It's eye-opening to see just how differently various degrees impact our lives, not only in purpose but also in financial returns. Data shows that fields like Engineering and Computer Science can lead to high lifetime earnings, while areas like the Arts may offer less in terms of financial ROI. It makes me pause and reflect. How do we truly balance passion with practicality? Education shapes us in profound ways, but it’s also one of the biggest investments we make. Choosing a major often means balancing the joy of following our interests with the long-term financial picture. Ultimately, it’s a deeply personal decision, one that brings us face-to-face with what we value most. #Education #Career #Insights #Investment #Thoughts #University #Passion

STARTING ON MY RESEARCH

As a #PhD researcher, it’s hard not to compare yourself with others. In a world where #success is often measured by merits, it's easy to feel like you’re falling behind. I’ve caught myself, more times than I’d like to admit, scrolling through LinkedIn or other socials and thinking, “Why am I not where they are?” But here’s what I’ve learned: PhD, like life, isn’t a race. It’s easy to compare someone else’s highlight reel to your behind-the-scenes struggles. The truth is, that every PhD journey is unique and full of ups and downs, breakthroughs, and setbacks. The hours spent questioning your own abilities, revising papers, or reworking experiments are just as important as the moments of success. They shape your resilience and determination. And they remind me that progress can’t always be measured in tangible outcomes. So, if you’re a fellow #researcher feeling the weight of comparison, remember that your journey matters. #Celebrate the small wins and embrace the #setbacks — they’re all part of the story. "The only person worth comparing yourself to is the one you were yesterday." #PhDLife #AcademicJourney #Researcher #AcademicChatter #PhDCommunity #PersonalGrowth #SelfImprovement #CareerDevelopment #GrowthMindset #SuccessMindset #ImposterSyndrome #MentalHealthMatters #Resilience #OvercomingChallenges

𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐏𝐡𝐃 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐐𝐒 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐱 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐌𝐃𝐛 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞—sure, it might be popular, but that doesn’t mean it’s your cup of tea (or your late-night research obsession). Let’s be honest: #rankings are like glitter—pretty, but they don’t stick to the real substance. Some of the coolest research playgrounds out there, like #ETH Zurich or #MaxPlanck Institutes, don’t even bother with these rankings. If you’re just scrolling through the top 10, you might miss out on a lab where your future #groundbreaking research is waiting to happen! So, before you get starry-eyed over a school’s ranking, ask yourself: Who’s doing the research that makes you geek out? Which labs are making waves in your field? And where can you find that magical combo of #resources, #mentors, and a #community that actually gets your nerdy enthusiasm? Remember, your #PhD isn’t just a fancy title—it’s a full-on adventure. You need the right crew, the right tools, and the right map to make sure you’re not just surviving but thriving. So, ditch the rankings as your only compass and start exploring what really matters. You might just find the perfect place where you can shine, even if it’s not in the top 10. ***I chose #UCSF on top of many #Ivy colleges*** For more laughs, PhD tips, and unconventional wisdom, follow Bivas Nag. #PhDLife #ResearchGoals #BeyondRankings #AcademicAdventure #ChooseWisely #collegeshortlisting

🎓💡 #Stressed About Your #Research? You're Not #Alone! 💡🎓 Are you feeling the pressure of trying to find the #perfect research #topic or idea but #nothing seems to #click? 😩 Or maybe you're caught in the chaos of too many ideas and not enough focus? Trust me, 🌀 I know the struggle is REAL, and the frustration can be overwhelming. But here’s the truth—you’re just one step away from finding that game-changing topic that will light up your academic journey! 🌟✨ That’s why I just uploaded a mind-blowing video that can save you hours of stress, anxiety, and confusion! 📚💡 In just a few minutes, you’ll learn: 💥 How to find research topics that inspire you 💥 Unlock the secrets to discovering meaningful research gaps 💥 Expert tips to get you started on your best project yet 💭 Imagine the relief of nailing a topic that excites both you and your professor. 🙌✨ Ready to level up your research game? You NEED to watch this! 👇👇👇 💭 Imagine the peace of mind you’ll feel knowing you’ve found a topic that’s not only exciting but also impactful—one that will get your professor nodding in approval! 🙌💥 🤯 Stop Stressing! This video is everything you need to finally take control of your research process, and it’s waiting for you right here: 👉 Watch NOW Here https://linktw.in/xjdZZw 🔔 Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more life-changing research tips and join a growing community of students who are turning stress into success! 🚀📚 💬 Let me know in the comments what’s been your BIGGEST challenge so far. Let’s crush those obstacles together! 💪💥 #ResearchTopic #StudentStruggles #ProjectIdeas #ResearchTips #ResearchGap #PerfectTopic #AcademicSuccess #StudyMotivation #CollegeLife #ResearchJourney #ThesisHelp #PhDLife #ResearchStruggles #GetOrganized #ProductiveStudy #DeadlineStress #GradSchool #AcademicSupport #StudyGoals #ResearchSolutions #ProjectSuccess #MotivationForStudents #StudySmart #ResearchWins #StressFreeStudy #StudyCommunity

Finished my final presentation for the semester. Time flies as I have completed the third semester into my (don’t ask me how many years it is) part time PhD program. A lot of my conversations with others usually start with ‘How do you find the time to do it?”. I am still working out the answer to that question. The question I ask myself is ‘was it worthit for all the pain and sacrifice (less time with my family, two burn outs to near exhaustion, more burden to my team mates, self doubt, the list goes on). Sharing across why I think it’s been worth it so far, for those considering going back to school and especially into research (which is different from a taught masters). 1) I am growing my intelligence and my resilience - I am surrounded by very smart and driven people who have so much passion about the problem they are solving. I have mentors like Ahmad Alhilal who doesn’t give up on me and keeps pushing me to be a better self. 2) I get to see a glimpse of the future and the possibilities - before I started my PhD I thought ‘academics are not commercial, they don’t solve the problem at hand’. Now I realize, it’s not that academics are not commercial, but the commercial problems of today have been solved by academics years ago and research of ‘current topic’ is not worth a researcher’s time. Quite the opposite is that corporates are not thinking hard about building out for the future. 3) it’s a workout for my brain - I think my brain cells can probably bench 200 pounds now. 4) I learn that success is not necessary measured by outcome (accept or reject), but to be able to get past my own ego, to learn from the feedback from those who has climbed every mountain, and tell myself i will eventually get there.

Ph.D. students in science are no strangers to challenges—we face them daily. From experimental setbacks to long hours in the lab, we’ve learned that problem-solving is part of the journey. But how do we stay motivated in the face of these constant hurdles? Here’s what keeps us going: -Breaking Down Big Goals: Tackling small, manageable tasks every day helps us stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed. One step at a time. 🧩 -Celebrating Small Wins: Whether it’s getting positive results in an experiment or hitting a milestone in our research, recognizing progress keeps us motivated for the long run. -Staying Curious: Science is about curiosity. When experiments don’t go as planned, we learn to ask new questions, pivot, and approach the problem from a different angle. -Leaning on Support Systems: Whether it’s fellow Ph.D. peers, advisors, or even online communities, talking through our struggles helps us feel less isolated—and more inspired. -Finding Balance: It’s easy to get consumed by research, but finding time for hobbies, exercise, or even just a good Netflix binge helps us recharge and come back stronger. So, how do you stay motivated and overcome everyday challenges in your Ph.D. journey? Let’s share tips, encourage each other, and remember that we’re all in this together! #PhDLife #ScienceStudents #ProblemSolvers #StayMotivated #ResearchLife #PhDCommunity

Hello Linkedin network! I'm reaching out to share with you a valuable resource; The Science of Well-Being, a course by Yale University. I recently had the positive and impactful experience of completing this free course on the Coursera platform. As someone who loves to continually learn and invest in self-development, I am always eager to find accessible and practical ways to intellectually stimulate myself. This course is great because it is designed to allow immediate integration of the teachings into your everyday life! Although this may be considered a personal rather than professional development resource, I see great potential for courses like this to be used within businesses as professional development tools. It is essential that we continue to foster cultures of connection and belonging within businesses — treating employees as humans rather than disposable resources. Personal development is professional development — healthier, happier and more connected humans make for more productive professionals! A highlight from the course for me was taking The VIA Institute on Character Survey to discover my signature strengths. Bringing awareness to my character strengths has empowered my sense of identity and allowed me to consciously apply them in my life. What if businesses prioritised empowering employees to discover and apply their signature strengths? We could foster work cultures with greater connection and belonging, find creative and collaborative ways to channel our unique superpowers, celebrate and harness the diversity of teams, and inspire ideas to drive authentic success stories for businesses. Research shows that knowing and using your character strengths can help you: • Increase happiness and well-being • Find meaning and purpose • Boost relationships • Manage stress and health • Accomplish goals Use the link below to take the survey for yourself, you may be surprised with your results! 😊 https://lnkd.in/dFQpxJrB gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwupGyBhBBEiwA0UcqaAiMTuEqUsZpW1bxCn3T7DHq67BpS2k0AkYvep9VI3uzvQZs2Q6F7hoCX6MQAvD_BwE+

🚀 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀𝗅 📚 Share your knowledge and make a difference by reviewing for the Future Scholars Journal. Help high school students showcase their groundbreaking work and shape the next generation of innovators. Your expertise can inspire and elevate their research to new heights. Get involved today and be part of their journey! 🌟 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡 𝗨𝗣 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘 𝗔 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗘𝗪𝗘𝗥: https://lnkd.in/erSSfh38 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹: The mission of the Future Scholars Journal is to empower K-12 students by providing a platform for them to publish original research, essays, and creative works related to innovation and technology. The journal promotes academic excellence, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity among young innovators, fostering a collaborative and inclusive community. Through this, students develop skills in research, writing, and peer review, preparing them for future academic and professional endeavors. Hewitt Research Foundation DRIPBL (STEAM with a Purpose) #YoungInnovatorsROCK #FutureScholars #PeerReview #EmpowerInnovation