Winter 2026 | Becoming and Belonging: Evolving Professional Identity Beyond the Doctorate

About this episode

Dr. Demetria Burleson discusses the transition into faculty life and the challenges faced after obtaining a doctorate.

What happens after the doctorate when the questions don’t disappear, but multiply? In this episode of the Faculty Leading the Change, Podcast Edition, Dr. Demetria Burleson explores the often-unspoken transition into faculty life, especially in online learning spaces. From imposter syndrome and teaching voice to belonging and community, this conversation names the “becoming” stage of faculty work and offers practical anchors to help you show up with confidence, clarity, and care. If you’ve ever wondered whether students can feel your presence through the screen, this episode is for you. Learn more about the Faculty Leading the Change Series, powered by the Office of Teaching, Learning, and Mentoring Excellence → tinyurl.com/flc-series

Topics covered

• professional identity
• faculty life
• imposter syndrome
• online learning
• belonging
• community

Keywords

• teaching voice
• confidence
• clarity
• care

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Becoming and Belonging: Evolving Professional Identity Beyond the Doctorate

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