Pre-dissertation research

[globalnomad]

Have you or someone you know done pre-dissertation research domestically or abroad? What types of projects have you/they done? I know projects are field-specific, but wanted to get a visual sense of the scope of what others do.

I am beginning to gather information on pre-dissertation awards for my field because my phd program--to begin this fall--is rather short. I'm starting to think about projects I would undertake, and would possibly apply for pre-dissertation fellowships for summer 2013. I currently work as an RA in my field, and at the school I'll be attending. Thanks.

[WalterBenjamin]

hello there,

I am in Comm studies too. Don't know exactly what you mean by pre-dissertation research, but I probably should. I am starting my PhD program this September. For now, I'm putting together a "pre-dissertation" reading list and building some on my dissertation proposal whenever ideas pop up/something in the readings provides some additional material that I could build on.

I'm always reviewing materisl fundamental to the field.

[rising_star]

I did pre-dissertation fieldwork after each of my first two years in my PhD program. I do my research in a site distant from where my university is so the summers allowed me to actually go there and get the data I needed, which I would then analyze in the fall and use as the basis for writing subsequent grants. It's good that you're already identifying funding opportunities. I was lucky enough to be able to have two separate 6 week research periods that were funded by a combination of grants I won. Best of luck to you!