Doctoral Student Leadership Collaborative

The Doctoral Student Leadership Collaborative is an interdisciplinary, student-driven, non-credit forum that meets monthly. Membership is open to all Harvard doctoral students who work on topics related to child health and development, and who are interested in building their capacity to be future leaders in the field.

Students will learn core principles from varying models of leadership and effective communication strategies through hands-on activities and small group discussions. Members may also have the opportunity to practice skills and present their current research and future plans. Returning students are encouraged to participate and revisit their evolving research agenda and career plans.

Group Objectives

  1. To practice the skill of using simplifying frames to explain and develop a research agenda and communicate its value and applicability to key constituents;
  2. To gain a holistic understanding of the complex social contexts in which research is translated into practice;
  3. To foster a collaborative environment of authentic leadership development aimed at channeling both the passion and purpose of student’s research into action.

Session Details

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Sessions are held at the Center on the Developing Child and include dinner. Each session is co-led by current members of the group, and will focus on a different topic related to leadership development in the field of child health and development. Throughout the semester, the DSLC will provide a dedicated space to consider how students’ current research aligns with a broader career vision with a group of like-minded students, and offer an opportunity to learn about different areas of research across the university. Since the group’s success is highly dependent on members’ motivation and engagement, participating students are expected to attend all sessions.

Statement of Interest
All students who are interested in joining after attending Session I must complete a Statement of Interest. All interested students will be contacted by email prior to Session I. Returning members should submit an updated Statement of Interest.

Session I:
This mandatory introductory session will be an opportunity to meet, provide an overview of the group structure and overarching vision, establish group goals, and assign session leaders.

Please note: group membership is limited and is a semester-long commitment. Drop-in attendance is not permitted.

Session Schedule

Session I: Why Leadership?

Session II: Embracing Complexity for Social Change

Session III: Developing a Child-Centered Leadership Agenda 

Session IV: Career Planning for Life After Graduate School

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