Student Spotlight: Daniel Anderson Soon-to-Defend his Dissertation

Student Spotlight: Daniel Anderson Soon-to-Defend his Dissertation

Daniel Anderson will soon be defending his dissertation entitled "What is Enlightenment?: Mindfulness in the Moment of Stress" and is working with Denise Albanese as his chair. Christine Rosenfeld conducted a short Q&A with Daniel in which he reflects on his time at Mason.

GOOD LUCK & CONGRATULATIONS DANIEL!!

How have your research interests changed from the time you began the PhD program to now, and in which direction do you envision your work moving upon graduating? 


I came to GMU interested in cultural history and critical theory, and these interests have remained.  When I arrived, I had eclectic research interests, including Early Modern materials, environmentalism, and critical pedagogy. I have had the opportunity to rehearse some of these interests while at GMU, and I still have a foot in the water with regard to pedagogy and environmental humanities. My interest in the metabolism of "alternative" spiritualities and contemporary capitalism, which I had in my pocket when I got to GMU but I was not sure how to even articulate well, won the day.


What kinds of professional development did you pursue while a student and which do you think will best position you to get the job you want: publishing, presenting, teaching, service in the department, engagement in non-university service projects, acquiring particular research skills?


I have been publishing, I lead a working group at the Cultural Studies Association, for five years I led a local community group, I held down a half-time editorial job, I am doing some ongoing academic assessment work, and I taught a lot. All these activities I have found rewarding.

What is one of your best memories from your time in the PhD program in Cultural Studies?

Friendships. I have had the good fortune to make friends with some extraordinary people among the other graduate students here at GMU, and among some of the faculty and administration.