Creating doctoral connections from afar

Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, many doctoral candidates have begun their research journeys from offshore. Wan-Ting Yeh is one of them, and she’s determined to help build a sense of community and connection from afar.

The Taiwan-based doctoral candidate started her research in infant development in 2020, driven by her desire to inspire and understand her son. Wan-Ting has already stacked up a long list of achievements throughout her PhD, including working with Soul Machines, a New Zealand-based pioneering artificial intelligence company, to design a virtual baby, ‘BabyX’.

She’s balanced all of this with parenthood, as well as facing the unique challenges that come with remote study.

“Being based offshore can make social connection quite disruptive. Luckily, my supervisor and team members are super supportive and considerate as they are professional researchers in social learning and cooperation.”

Wan-Ting launched the Offshore Research Group to give the offshore students a platform to ask questions, build connections, mentally support each other and showcase their skills. Led entirely by offshore students, the group started with eight members and has grown to more than 50 members from 20 countries.

"It’s also allowed us to use our collective voice to express our needs and advocate for offshore doctoral candidates," Wan-Ting says.

Wan-Ting welcomes new members to join the Offshore Research Group and gain a sense of connection.

“Humans are social animals,” she says. “It’s normal to feel anxious when you are isolated. My advice to other offshore doctoral candidates is to remember that you are not alone. If you’d like to have more support and a sense of belonging, you are more than welcome to join us!”