Short Course 2 Details
From Uncertainty to Understanding: Rethinking the PhD Journey
Instructor:
Prof. Caroline Boudoux
Professor of Engineering Physics
Polytechnique Montréal
About the Instructor:
Caroline Boudoux, Pr. Eng., PhD, is a professor of engineering physics at Polytechnique Montréal, where she develops biomedical optics imaging systems based on novel fibre-optic components. She teaches biophotonics, engineering design, and doctoral workshops. She published 5 books, including two doctoral survival guides: "It Goes without Saying: Taking the Guesswork Out of Your PhD in Engineering” and «Cela va sans dire: guide génial pour un doctorat de génie!». As a Fellow of SPIE and Optica and a board member at Optica, she participates in outreach and mentorship activities to promote a smoother PhD experience. She is the co-founder of Castor Optics and Peregrine Photon.
Course Overview:
Beginning a PhD can feel opaque to newcomers, even when expectations seem obvious to experienced academics. In this short course, Caroline Boudoux draws on her experience as a supervisor, mentor, and former doctoral student to clarify the realities of doctoral study and equip candidates with practical tools for success. Combining insight and humour, she outlines the full trajectory of a PhD, from admission through research milestones to final defence, while offering concrete strategies for managing time, priorities, and complex projects. The work also addresses essential skills, including scientific writing, proposal development, and responsible research practices, including ethics and intellectual property. Beyond logistics, Boudoux examines the personal dimensions of doctoral life, including stress, impostor syndrome, bias, and shifting expectations. By bridging practical guidance with reflective perspective, this accessible resource helps aspiring researchers navigate uncertainty, build confidence, and approach their doctoral journey with clarity and purpose in today's academic environments.
Date & Time:
June 1, 2026 18:00 – 20:00
Location:
To be announced
Registration:
- Free for registered conference participants
- $50 for students not registered for the conference
- $100 for participants not registered for the conference
Register here.