PhD Admissions Consultants, Events, & Resources

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."

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.).

-Have worked with 100+ PhD/Master's applicants from all over the world, with high success rate including at top programs -Clients have gotten into programs across STEM, liberal arts, specialty programs like Education, Architecture, Design, and others -I myself hold a PhD in psychology from UCLA, the top-ranked program in my field, with 3-4% acceptance rate -Story-driven partnership approach to find and tell the best-possible narratives to differentiate and win. -"Magic" is common word clients use to describe my help. -I treat clients how I would want to be treated when paying for a premium service.

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 hold a PhD in Psychology, which has equipped me with a deep understanding of the intricacies of academic research and writing. My expertise includes proficiency in APA format, ensuring that all documents adhere to the highest standards of academic writing and formatting. With extensive experience in crafting problem statements, I help students clearly define their research focus and objectives. My background also encompasses the rigorous process of sampling, essential for credible and reliable research outcomes. In my role as a mentor, I guide students through various sampling techniques, including random sampling, stratified sampling, cluster sampling, and systematic sampling. I provide insights into selecting appropriate samples, executing the sampling process, and analyzing the results to produce valid conclusions. My familiarity with the demands of academic journals ensures that students' research meets publication standards, enhancing their academic and professional success.

My own research into retention disparities for African American and Latino undergraduates cemented my commitment to equitable access and rigorous scholarship. I’ve served on admissions committees across master’s and doctoral programs, reviewed grant and scholarship applications, and presented retention methodologies at a UC system conference. That insider perspective helps me guide you through every facet of your PhD journey—from articulating novel research questions to securing funding. Having coached clients into PhD programs at top-tier institutions (including Oxford), I blend data-driven strategy with personalized narrative development. Together we’ll craft a cohesive application package, research proposal, CV, personal statement and interview prep, that highlights your intellectual promise and aligns with program expectations. With Morphy Strategy & Co’s proven framework and my hands-on experience, you’ll approach the process with confidence and clarity.

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.

You have a story worth sharing—I am here to help you tell it. As a Gates-Cambridge Scholar, Rhodes Scholarship Finalist, and an incoming MD candidate at Columbia University, I bring a unique perspective to the graduate school and competitive international fellowship application processes. My academic and professional journey has equipped me with a deep understanding of what top programs seek in applicants. I have successfully coached multiple individuals and have sat on professional panels, helping individuals craft compelling applications to best highlight their strengths and communicate their unique story. Whether you need guidance on personal statements, recommendation letters, interview preparation, or anything else, I am here to personally help you navigate your path to achieving a place in your dream program. I am excited to work with you!

I received my Ph.D. from the political science department at Columbia University. I did my undergraduate work at Stanford, earning a B.A. in international relations with honors in international security studies. I can provide expert advice on all stages of the Ph.D. journey, including how to craft your undergraduate education to best prepare you for a Ph.D. program, what the application process is like, what to expect in terms of coursework and teaching responsibilities, passing exams, writing and defending your dissertation proposal, and completing your dissertation.

Welcome to my profile! As an MD-PhD graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a seasoned Fellow at MIT, I bring a wealth of experience in academia and medical innovation to my coaching. My role on the MD-PhD admissions committee has provided me with insider knowledge of what top programs seek in candidates. I've successfully guided 10 aspiring PhD students through the application process, helping them craft compelling personal statements and excel in interviews. Whether you're just starting your application or need targeted advice, I'm here to support your journey to a successful PhD admission. Let's connect and make your academic dreams a reality!