The Black Scholars in Education and Human Development Writing Group (BSWG) was established by doctoral students Miray Seward and Edward Scott Jr. in Fall 2019. BSWG provides a space for Black doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows to exercise and enhance their writing skills in a supportive community. BSWG is a student-led initiative that promotes retention and success among its participants.
Each month, BSWG comes together to write and participate in professional development seminars focused on various writing styles (book length, journal articles, OpEds, etc.), securing grants, publishing, and navigating academia as Black scholars. We foster collaboration, community, and critical dialogue about innovative research in education and human development.
Any Black doctoral student (PhD/EdD) or Black postdoctoral fellow at the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development (EHD) can attend our monthly full-day writing sessions, monthly half-day sessions, or periodic social events. BSWG is coordinating with representatives from other schools and departments to expand our reach and impact sustainably.
Examples of Previous Professional Development Topics:
- Securing Competitive Grants and Fellowships
- Balancing Service, Family, and Scholarship for the People
- Effectively Leading Research Productive Teams
- Maintaining Mental Wellbeing in Academia
- Navigating the Hidden Curriculum of Academia
- Collaborating on Multidisciplinary Teams
- Professional Branding and Academic Social Media
