Prof. Boudoux
Scientist, Entrepreneur, Author, and Rookie Mom
514-340-4711
The definitive toolkit for doctoral students in engineering on thesis—and journal article—preparation, project (and stress) management, IP protection, collaborations, and other aspects of the PhD journey.
It shouldn't take a PhD to get a PhD, but sometimes the process can seem that confusing—even though, to the mentors and advisors, so obvious that it goes without saying. For doctoral students in engineering confronting this dilemma, Caroline Boudoux, an accomplished researcher and entrepreneur, provides a demystifying guide to the challenges—daunting, seemingly routine, and at times unexpected—of pursuing a PhD in this demanding field. In It Goes without Saying, Boudoux marshals her own considerable experience mentoring graduate students, teaching doctoral workshops, and—not so long ago—earning her own PhD at MIT to give PhD candidates the know-how, and the confidence, to succeed.
Among the topics this book takes up are:
• What a PhD is: the journey, the milestones, and the endgame.
• Technical questions about what a doctoral project in engineering is and how to lead one.
• Practical matters including tips on writing, from proposal to dissertation; ethics; and intellectual property.
• Personal concerns, such as dealing with expectations, imposter syndrome, and stress.
From the mundane to the metaphysical, this user-friendly guide gives the doctoral student in engineering the tools to make it from Day 1 to the successful completion of the PhD in a timely, fully informed, and forward-looking manner.
They said...
From the Foreword and Back Cover
The pursuit of a PhD is a remarkable journey, a journey that challenges intellectually, emotionally, and, at times, even physically, as the demands of a PhD can be all-consuming. Boudoux’s book guides PhD students through the ups and downs of the journey, offering insights, advice, and strategies to help navigate the challenges that come with advancing beyond the frontier of knowledge. Boudoux frequently draws from her experience as a graduate student and as a mentor to many to complement this guide with personal anecdotes that make the advice engaging and concrete. This makes the book a valuable resource not only for PhD students but also for their advisors. While her book is aimed at the engineer, the advice and practical strategies provided are much more broadly applicable, and the book should really be on the reading list of any beginning PhD student. It Goes without Saying shouldn’t go without reading!
Prof. Eric Mazur, PhD
Academic Dean for Applied Sciences and Engineering Balkanski Professor of Physics and Applied Physics Harvard University
"Professor Boudoux has been tremendously successful at the highest levels of academia and as an entrepreneur. This book is an invaluable gift to the next generation of graduate students and developing scientists, engineers, and innovators."
Prof. Brett E. Bouma, PhD
Harvard Medical School
Affiliated Faculty, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT
Physicist, Massachusetts General Hospital
“A PhD is already tough enough. The book helps understanding the surroundings of research to alleviate the struggle of the journey.”
Barbara Buades, PhD
CEO and Cofounder, MEETOPTICS
“Caroline Boudoux combines rigor and panache in this concise and informative book demystifying the PhD process. It’s a must-read for every new graduate student—and a helpful guide for their advisor.”
Prof. Jennifer Kehlet Barton, PhD
Thomas R. Brown Distinguished Chair, Biomedical Engineering and Director, BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona
