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ANN ARBOR — The University of Michigan was again represented at an annual doctoral symposium in Hong Kong.

Kate Cagney, director of the Institute for Social Research (ISR), represented U-M at the International Doctoral Symposium: Global Perspectives on Social Problems, Policy, and Practice at Hong Kong Baptist University last week.

“An international symposium like this one is a rare chance for Ph.D. students to interact with scholars from disciplines of all sorts,” Cagney said. “It’s a great opportunity to lay the foundation for a future career in the social sciences, and I’m always proud of the students who represent the University of Michigan at this symposium every year.”

The symposium is designed to support Ph.D. students by giving them a chance to interact with their peers from highly regarded universities as they prepare for a career in academia. This year, Anne Cohen, a student in the Michigan Program in Survey and Data Science (MPSDS), presented her work on survey methodology there, creating valuable connections in the process.

“After my presentation, multiple peers approached me to ask about applying my ideas to their own work and suggested potential collaboration efforts,” Cohen said. “In my third year of my Ph.D., most of my time is spent alone, narrowing in on my dissertation. The symposium reignited my interest in broader learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. Not only has this had the immediate effect of recharging my motivation to finish my degree, but it has also provided me with connections and direction for an impactful research career.”

This year, seven universities supported the symposium: U-M, Hong Kong Baptist University, Nanyang Technological University, Seoul National University, the University of Melbourne, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Chicago.

Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected])