Acknowledgments

I originally conceived the idea for this project three years ago. While the initial idea was mine, it has been nothing short of a community effort to bring this book to fruition. Several individuals have either contributed directly to the outcome of this project or otherwise inspired it. They merit recognition by name.

I thank the authors of the chapters for not only their willingness to contribute to this book, but also their talents in crafting powerful and engaging narratives. Many of the stories recited in this book are deeply personal and required authors to enter spaces of vulnerability by exposing certain intimate details about themselves and the things they encountered during their pursuit of a PhD. I genuinely believe that it is these very stories that will encourage readers to consider the current disposition of the doctoral student experience and to identify paths by which to make it better.

I thank the editor of Emerald’s Critical Management Studies series, Albert Mills, for his enthusiasm for this book. Since first meeting with him in 2008, I have been very fortunate to receive unwavering support and encouragement from Albert. He not only served on my dissertation committee a number of years ago, but also continues to be a friend, a colleague, and a mentor. I also thank John Stuart at Emerald Group Publishing for his diligence and patience while working with me to make this book possible. Whether it was in helping secure the contract or sending friendly reminders of deadlines, John’s guidance made even the more bureaucratic aspects of producing this book a joy.

Given the scope of this book, I would be remiss not to acknowledge my own doctoral supervisor, Ellen Auster. With no exaggeration, I can attest that but for Ellen’s steadfast support of me and my work, I would not have completed my doctorate at York University. Ellen epitomizes the qualities of a great supervisor – she is, all at the same time, kindness in heart, trustworthy in action, and determined in research. I had the type of tutelage from Ellen that every PhD student deserves, but few are fortunate enough to receive. I continue to aspire to emulate Ellen’s example as I assume the supervision of my own doctoral students.

Finally, I thank my family. My education and the opportunity to live the “life of the mind” would not have been even imaginable had it not been for the abiding love and encouragement of my parents, Rajesh and Chandra Prasad. I am grateful that regardless of where my academic journey has taken me, my parents have always provided me with a warm place to call “home” – a place that I have returned to on many occasions to rejuvenate, (dis)engage, and, most importantly, sleep. I also acknowledge my two sisters, Eshlyn and Keshrin, and my nephew, Aarav, who never ceases to amaze and inspire me during our philosophical conversations over “bubble water.”