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Professional Development Seminars
Formal training as a historian takes place in classes and seminars, writing a cognate paper, taking comprehensive exams, and producing a doctoral dissertations. But there are other facets to an academic career, including public speaking, networking, effective writing, publishing, applying for grants, and teaching. These are not always addressed directly or explicitly in formal studies. The purpose of the PDS is to help prepare graduate students for the many "other" parts of an academic career (as well as careers outside academe). These sessions are intended for Graduate Students in the History Department. If you want to attend, please consult with the series coordinators Cody Groat and Rosemary Giles.
2026-2027 Schedule
FALL
September 10: Navigating Student Experiences as a GTA
Moderated discussion between Dr. Cody Groat, Charan Mandur (PhD Candidate) and Mackenzie Smith (PhD Candidate).
October 1: How to Write a Thesis
Dr. Heather Ellis (History Department Alumni).
November 5: Applying to Internal and External Grants
Dr. Eric Story (Wilfrid Laurier University Assistant Professor and former History Department SSHRC Post-Doctoral Fellow).
November 19: Why History Matters
Moderated discussion between Rosemary Giles (Moderator), Dr. Mike Dove (Director, Public History) and Dr. Cody Groat (Grad Chair).
WINTER
January 21: Publishing
Andrew Rice (PhD Candidate) and Rachel Stapleton (Editor, Penguin Canada and former Senior Acquisitions Editor at University of Regina Press) on publishing academic articles and books
February 11: Building Professional Networks
Speakers to be announced.
March 11: Presenting to Non-Academic Audiences
Speakers to be announced.
April 1: Teaching Your Own Course
Rose Giles (PhD Candidate), Kristen Jeanveau (PhD Candidate), and Samra Khan (PhD Student) on teaching your own sessional courses
