Virtual mentoring and doctoral students’ development over time: A longitudinal qualitative study

Doctoral students often face challenges related to transition, belonging, and academic identity development. While universities have introduced various support initiatives, there is limited longitudinal evidence of their impact. In this seminar, A/P Hoa Nguyen will present a longitudinal qualitative study exploring the influence of a virtual mentoring program on doctoral students’ academic, personal, and social development at an Australian university. The findings highlight virtual mentoring as a sustainable, relationship-based approach that fosters belonging, strengthens academic communities, and complements supervisory support. The study offers practical insights for designing inclusive and sustainable doctoral support structures that recognise doctoral development as a social and relational process.

Bio: Dr Hoa Nguyen is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia, specialising in teacher education and development, mentoring, professional learning, and sociocultural theory. She co-leads the Teacher Education and Development Research Group and previously served as Higher Degree Research Director in the School of Education. Her supervision and leadership in higher degree research have been recognised through multiple awards. Her research has contributed to advancing understanding of teacher and doctoral learning, mentoring, and professional development across diverse educational contexts.

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