Invitation: Defending the Dissertation
After a terrible hiatus frantically finishing my dissertation (what was I thinking, trying to write an entire book in a single year?!), I am pleased to announce that I am done! I officially submitted my dissertation on Saturday, May 4. I am relieved to finally have the project off my plate so I can turn my attention back to much more enjoyable pursuits, including continued ambulance adventures, foraging, tarot, musings on the history of science, writing that is anything other than the dissertation, and making herbal homebrews and tinctures, among other things. I’m looking forward to being able to share them with you again!
Since you have all been so patient with me in the process, I wanted to officially invite my loyal subscribers to attend my defense on May 16 at 3pm. The official invitation is below the fold and includes details on how to attend either in person or via Zoom. I would love to have you there!
Alexis Turner will be defending his dissertation “Lost Souls Delivered: The Political Life of LSD in the 1950s and 1960s” to his committee—comprising Elizabeth Lunbeck, Rebecca Lemov, and Anne Harrington—and members of the community on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. in Science Center 469, 1 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.
Those participating remotely should register at [link removed] in advance to receive a custom link to access the defense.
A note on Dissertation Defenses in the History of Science. The acceptance of the dissertation and the conferral of the PhD are not contingent upon the defense: The candidate is nonetheless expected to be prepared to field serious and challenging questions.
The format of the defense is as follows:
Welcoming and Introductory Remarks: Chair of the Dissertation Committee (10 minutes)
Presentation/Summary of the Dissertation: Student (20 minutes)
Comments from dissertation committee members (Max 10 minutes each)
Comments and discussion from floor
I would be delighted if you could join me to celebrate completing this long journey, and to put a memorable capstone on the trip.
Warmly,
Alexis
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