PhD Admissions Consultants and Resources

I pursued my PhD at the University of Cambridge as a Gates Cambridge Scholar. Studying for a PhD is a very personal and rewarding journey and I have helped students realize their dream of studying at Cambridge and Oxford.

Over the last four years, I have coached hundreds of students at a large R1 institution, guiding them as they prepare for graduate and medical school applications. I work with applicants from personal statement ideation all the way through decision making and I can't wait to do the same with you. Whether you're applying for the first time or reapplying and need a fresh take on your application, I'm confident that my coaching experience will be an asset to you. My approach centers around making meaning of your experiences, helping you to find the connections to your future goals, and translating those in a way that will resonate with the admissions committee. Let's work together to help you achieve your goals!

Kimberly employs a tailored one-on-one approach, drawing on more than ten years of project management, leadership, STEM outreach, and mentorship experience in academia, government, nonprofits, and entrepreneurship. Here are a few words from her clients: "Once I started PhD coaching with Dr. Duong, she immediately helped me make adjustments to create the optimal plan." "PhD coaching is great because it’s really targeted for PhD students who feel stuck in their programs." "Dr. Duong never downplayed my personal responsibilities in order to push me towards my professional commitment." "Dr. Duong’s insight and coaching has completely changed the way I look at procrastination, which has been hugely helpful in making progress."

With a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology from Harvard University, I bring a unique interdisciplinary approach to Ph.D. admissions coaching, blending insights from anthropology, economics, and business. My experience as a Teaching Fellow at Harvard, where I led discussions and contributed to course development, has honed my ability to guide students through complex academic landscapes. As an Admissions Consultant with Admitify and The Ivy Institute, I have successfully mentored numerous students in crafting compelling applications that stand out. Whether you're navigating the intricacies of research proposals or personal statements, I'm here to provide tailored support to help you achieve your academic goals. Let's connect and strategize your path to success!

During my time as Assistant Director of the PhD Program at Harvard Business School, I had the privilege of advising and supporting more than 130 doctoral students each year. In this role, I guided students through every stage of their academic journey—helping them navigate program requirements, prepare for milestones, and balance the challenges of rigorous research with personal growth. Working so closely with such a large and diverse group of scholars gave me a deep understanding of the demands of top-tier doctoral programs and the skills needed to thrive in them. That experience continues to shape the way I mentor aspiring PhD candidates today—combining empathy, structure, and insight to help them put their strongest foot forward.

I have a PhD from MIT in AI/ML and am currently a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow at Mila - Quebec AI Institute and Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard. I have won over $400,000 in fellowships and helped over 50 students get admitted into top universities (MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Caltech) while obtaining prestigious fellowships (Rhodes, Knight-Hennessy, etc.).

With over 20 years of experience in graduate admissions, I’ve led PhD admissions processes at two Ivy League institutions: Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) and the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. At Princeton, I oversaw admissions for their highly competitive PhD program. At Penn Nursing, I reviewed doctoral applications for their top-tier program in nursing science. Whether you're pursuing a PhD in public policy, economics, nursing, or a related healthcare field, I bring an insider’s perspective to help you develop a compelling and strategic application. From articulating your research agenda and identifying faculty fit to refining your statement of purpose and CV, I’ll guide you through every step with the same insight and intentionality I brought to the admissions committees I once led.

Having pivoted during medical school to pursue additional training as a PhD student in Biomedical Engineering, I had to learn on-the-fly how to prepare and succeed in the world of academia and research. Now, as I complete my PhD training, I strive to bolster the incoming generation of scientists and scholars to help promote diversity and inclusion at every level. Balancing multiple degree programs has taught me to manage my time, energy, and focus in meaningful ways, which I would love to pass on to any prospective students.

Welcome to my profile! As a current MD/PhD candidate at Baylor College of Medicine, I bring a wealth of firsthand experience and knowledge to the PhD admissions process. My academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Genome Sciences/Genomics from Duke University, and I've since been deeply involved in research, including analyzing complex RNA-seq data in neurodegenerative disease models. In addition to my research background, I have extensive experience as an MCAT tutor with both Inspira Education and Manhattan Prep, where I've honed my skills in guiding students to achieve their academic goals. Whether you're looking to strengthen your application or need strategic advice on navigating the PhD admissions landscape, I'm here to help you succeed. Let's connect and craft a plan tailored to your aspirations!

With a PhD in Developmental Psychology from Boston University and extensive research experience at institutions like Boston University, Princeton University, and Gallup, I bring a wealth of knowledge about developing research skills, applying these skills to real-world problems and scientific discovery, and building a successful research portfolio. Over the years, I have successfully guided 18 individuals through the rigorous PhD application process, helping them secure spots at top-tier programs and following up with them to advise on difficult problems during their PhD programs. My expertise spans experimental design in psychology, data analysis, and scientific writing, ensuring you present a compelling and well-rounded application if you are applying for PhD programs. If you are already in a PhD program and need guidance, I can help you too! I look forward to mentoring you to achieve your goals. Relying on my personal experiences, I especially enjoy working with first-generation students, international students, and students from a low income background.