As a third-year PhD candidate, I no longer need to take classes, but there's a unique flexibility at Heller that allows students to take additional courses if they’re interested. One of the great advantages here is the consortium with surrounding universities, giving me access to a wide array of specialized courses that enhance my research and personal interests. For example, I’m currently enrolled in a Graphic Medicine course at MIT, which meets every Thursday evening. While the commute can be a bit demanding, it’s absolutely worth it for the value the course brings to my education.
Each week, I dedicate around five hours to readings and assignments, which feels refreshing because the material is so different from the usual academic papers we read in the PhD program. This course offers a distinctive approach to learning by incorporating graphic novels and comics, providing an engaging, visual perspective on medical and social issues. It's a refreshing break from traditional scholarly articles, and I find that the visual storytelling helps convey complex ideas in a way that’s both accessible and impactful.
One of the things I love most is how the course broadens my understanding of narrative and health, blending the analytical skills from my PhD work with creative storytelling. It’s a fantastic reminder that learning doesn’t always have to be conventional; sometimes, the most profound insights come from exploring new and unexpected formats.
This is small four-panel exercise that we completed at the beginning of class one day. This exercise, called 'Grids and Gestures,' was developed by Nick Sousanis, a scholar and artist who created his entire PhD dissertation in comic form. ‘Grids and Gestures' is an exercise designed to encourage creative expression and storytelling through simple, structured panels.
In my panel, I've illustrated a typical day in my life. In the top left, I start my day with a breathing exercise, setting a calm and mindful tone for the hours ahead. The top right panel shows me walking my dog along the Charles River, one of my favorite ways to connect with nature and clear my mind. In the bottom left, I end my day with meditation and reciting my affirmations, grounding myself and reinforcing positive intentions as I wind down for the night. This exercise has been a wonderful way to reflect on my daily routines and visually express meaningful aspects of my life.
Apart from the Graphic Medicine course, I also attend my Behavioral Health seminars every Tuesday. These seminars bring together our concentration to learn from guest speakers who present their latest research. It’s a great opportunity not only to hear about innovative work but also to connect with professionals outside of Brandeis who are doing fascinating and impactful things in the field.
These sessions provide a unique space for networking, allowing us to expand our professional connections and gain insights from diverse perspectives. It’s incredibly valuable to have these discussions and build relationships with people who share similar interests yet bring different expertise and backgrounds. The seminars enrich our academic experience by offering a broader view of the field beyond the classroom and campus, helping us grow both as researchers and as future professionals in behavioral health.