Four doctoral students head to thesis writing retreat
Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs is pleased to be sending four doctoral students to Lake Opinicon for the 2025 Lake Shift writing retreat.
Hosted annually by Queen’s University, Lake Shift is a writing retreat for doctoral students from Ontario universities. The retreat provides doctoral students with structured time to write, includes workshops for effective dissertation writing, and allows attendees to network with other doctoral students. When students aren’t writing, they’re able to take full advantage of the lakeside life, including swimming, boating, hiking, and campfires.
This year, Lake Shift will take place from July 6-11. PhD students Donna V. Jones, Michelle Lee, Mercy Ombogo, and Karen Hock will be attending from the University of Waterloo.
Donna V. Jones is a PhD in the School of Environment, Enterprise, and Development (SEED). Her research is based in global and reproductive health. By attending Lake Shift, Donna is looking to kick-start the dissertation writing process.
“At this stage, to be in-person to exchange ideas, wins, and challenges, I feel, is paramount to successfully progressing through to the final stages of my studies.”
Karen Hock is a PhD candidate in the School of Public Health Sciences. Her research examines sugary drink policies and their potential to influence our food environment. After attending Dissertation Boost Camp earlier this year, Karen is ready to dive into another great thesis-writing opportunity.
“I hope this experience will help me build momentum and better work-life balance through structured learning and outdoor activities. In turn, I hope to develop sustainable writing habits and build connections that will support me throughout my doctoral journey and beyond!”
Michelle Lee is a PhD candidate in the School of Public Health Sciences. Her research focuses on global health, health governance, and systems thinking.
“I am excited to be immersed in an environment where I can be deeply focused on my dissertation, surrounded by peers on the same journey, while enjoying the peacefulness of the outdoors.”
Mercy Ombogo is a PhD candidate in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. Her research is based on biomechanics. Mercy is looking forward to making connections at Lake Shift.
“I think the dedicated writing time, and being around fellow doctoral students in the same stage of their journey would help me make meaningful progress on my dissertation and restore some much-needed balance to my research.”
Missed this year’s call for applications? Keep an eye out in 2026 to apply! You can also check out the many writing resources available on campus, including those offered at the Writing and Communication Centre, which offers dedicated thesis workshops and writing support for graduate students.