The Dissertation Diaries

If you’ve made it all the way to your dissertation defense—congratulations! 🎉 You’ve already climbed mountains of research, writing, and revisions. But let’s be real: the final stretch can feel like the most intimidating part.

That’s exactly why I created the Dissertation Defense Checklist—a simple, organized tool to help you feel calm, prepared, and ready to shine when you step in front of your committee.

Why a Checklist Matters

Defenses can be overwhelming. Between slides, formatting, anticipating questions, and remembering what to bring, it’s easy to miss small but important details.

When my husband went through his defense, I was the one sitting on the sidelines, calm and collected, while he was the one carrying the nerves of being the presenter. We joked that I was his “dissertation doula”—making sure he had everything he needed to succeed that day. From tech checks to water bottles to last-minute pep talks, I realized how much having an organized plan makes a difference.

That experience inspired me to design this checklist—not just for myself as I go through my own doctoral journey, but for every grad student who deserves to walk into their defense with confidence.

A checklist helps you:

• ✅ Break big tasks into manageable steps
• ✅ Stay focused and reduce last-minute stress
• ✅ Walk into your defense feeling prepared, not panicked

What’s Included

This digital download is short, practical, and easy to use. You’ll find:

• A clear outline of what to do before, during, and after your defense
• Reminders for tech prep, presentation polish, and committee communication
• Space to add your own personalized notes

Think of it as a companion to guide you through the day so you can focus on showing the hard work you’ve already accomplished.

Who It’s For

Whether you’re defending a dissertation, thesis, or capstone project, this checklist is designed for grad students who want to feel organized and supported. It also makes a thoughtful gift for a friend or colleague about to hit their big day!

Final Thoughts

Your defense is not just about proving what you know—it’s a celebration of how far you’ve come. With the right preparation, you can step into that room confident and ready to own your moment.

👉 Check out the Dissertation Defense Checklist here and add a little peace of mind to your grad school journey.