Three SGISD PhD Students Selected for the 2022 UMass Boston Transdisciplinary Dissertation Proposal Development Program

Congratulations to SGISD PhD candidates, Lilo Altali, Dahalia Jackson, and Huentran Vo! All three students were selected to participate in this year’s Transdisciplinary Dissertation Proposal Development (TDPD) Summer Institute program. Just 15 students from UMass Boston were selected from a large and highly competitive group of applicants.

During the TDPD Summer Institute, students conducted preliminary research to support their dissertation proposal development. The TDPD Summer Institute uses transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to help students develop competitive proposals for external funding, increase their support networks, and access career development guidance.

With Faculty Advisor Meghan Kallman, Wael (Lilo) Altali explored how the experiences of gig workers are shaped by gig platforms.

With Faculty Advisor Laura Bozeman, Dahalia Jackson developed her dissertation proposal about the experiences of African American adults with Diabetic Retinopathy in Massachusetts.

Also with Faculty Advisor Laura Bozeman, Huyentran Vo explored the determinant of time impact on the creation of accessible materials for students with print disabilities, specifically students with visual impairments.

Students who complete the Summer Institute receive $3000 in summer research funds to support their dissertation proposal development. Congratulations to these outstanding SGISD students for their participation in this acclaimed TDPD Summer Institute!