I have been part of the PhD program now at the University of Tennessee for four years, and it just seems like yesterday I was walking into orientation and starting my first classes in the core part of the program. Amazing how time flies by! From taking classes then to preparing for my comprehensive exams to starting off with my dissertation research – it seemed that each day got me closer to the time where I would be finishing up my degree.
Yesterday, I became one step closer to becoming Dr. Freberg – well, at least Dr. Freberg 2.0! 🙂 My Mom (Professor in Psychology) is the original Dr. Freberg, so I am just the social media version of it! 🙂 I passed my dissertation defense yesterday (and yes, I did this on April Fool’s Day), so that was good.
My dissertation focused on the intention to comply with food safety messages in a crisis based on message source and reliability. The steps that I undertook during my dissertation combined several methods together – focus groups and a main experiment. I conducted several focus groups to help frame my scenarios and research instrument for my experiment. Once I did a couple of pilot studies, I then implemented my experiment with a consumer panel. There were definitely some interesting insights and results that I was excited about sharing with my committee and everyone who came to my defense. 🙂
I would have to say that the overall process of the dissertation was actually enjoyable – I know that not many people say this – but I felt that this was a fun project to work on. It was great to research and find out more information on what was going on with social media and crisis communications related to food safety. There are some things that I would recommend for students who are in the dissertation stage or about to start:
- Time management is your friend: Doing a little bit every day helps, and it is key to make sure that you set personal deadlines for yourself to get certain parts accomplished and in order
- Extra steps and procedures is the way to go: Making sure that you are covering all of the bases in terms of your research is absolutely key.
- Coffee and Kickboxing are two fundamental necessities: Coffee in my opinion is a major food group and exercise allows you to take out your stress through positive activities. Both have worked for me and it really all depends on what you feel is necessary.
- Work hard, win easy: By working hard and making sure you can balance a dissertation, teaching, research, and consulting – you will be prepared to enter and start your first year as a professor on a better note. Learning these skills will help in the future, and we are in an economy where everyone has to work hard to be ahead and current – and if you do, then you are good to go! 🙂
I would like to thank my members of my committee for their hard work and guidance for this dissertation process. I felt that not only did I learn about the theory and methodology involving the particular phenomena I was studying, but I did feel that I grew as a researcher and professional in the process. I would also like to thank my friends who came to support me during my dissertation defense (Sabrina, Monica, Stephanie, Anthony, Kit, Scott, Lei, and Dr. Childers). Thank you all for coming to my defense and celebrating with food (Sabrina made some AMAZING and fabulous white chocolate and peanut butter truffles – yum!). We had everything at the defense from water to truffles to muffins to fruit – what can I say, I am a foodie! 🙂
I also have to thank the ladies at the Jenny Craig Knoxville Center – I have been going to JC now for four years and these ladies were really the best! Everyone was so supportive and encouraging as well whenever I came in for my appointments and helped me celebrate my defense (now I am known in the center as Doc Freberg :D) – thank you so much Jo, Amy, Kiersten, Amber, Vanessa and Taylor!
Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank my family (Mom, Dad, Kristin, and Karla) for their continued support, encouragement, and commitment to me during my dissertation process. I am very lucky and fortunate to have such a wonderful family! 😉
In summary, getting a PhD has been a lifelong dream of mine ever since I was little. This was one step to become closer to achieving this dream. So, Mom – there is another Dr. Freberg in the family. 🙂
Hope you all are having a wonderful day!
Best Wishes,
Karen aka Dr. Freberg 2.0 🙂
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