Webinar: Managing PhD Supervisor Relationships

Hosted by: Muslim Network of Academics and Researchers Australia (MNARA)

Event Details

Date: Thursday, 24 April 2025

Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM AEST

Platform: Zoom (registration required)

Cost: Free

About the Event

PhD supervision is one of the most pivotal aspects of your doctoral journey—yet it

often comes with unspoken tensions, unclear expectations, and cultural

complexities. This MNARA-hosted mentorship webinar brings together students and

academics from diverse fields to explore the real-life challenges and strategies for

managing the supervisor–student relationship.

Whether you're navigating mismatched expectations, struggling with cultural

disconnection, or unsure how to “manage your manager,” this session will provide

you with real stories, expert advice, and actionable insights to support a healthier,

more constructive supervision journey.

Event Format

• Introduction: Welcome and overview of today’s focus
• Panel 1: Overcommitted Students in High-Opportunity Fields
• Panel 2: Interrupted & Nonlinear PhD Journeys
• Panel 3: Self-Motivated but Under-committed Students in HASS
• Panel Discussion (20 min) – On managing conflict, communication styles & expectations
• Q&A Session (25 min) – Get your specific questions answered
• Closing (5 min) – Summary, evaluation QR code, and next steps

Features Speakers

Opening Presentation

​Professor Atif Ahmad

• • Deputy Director, Academic Centre of Cyber Security, School of Computing & Information Systems, University of Melbourne - LinkedIn

Panel Discussion

​Chair: Associate Professor Derya Iner 

• • ​Research Coordinator, Centre for Islamic Studies, Charles Sturt University - Linkedin

Panel Members:

​Professor Atif Ahmad - LinkedIn

​Associate Professor Zuleyha Keskin

• • Co-founder of ISRA Academy, Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation, CSU - LinkedIn

​Md Jahid Faruki

• • PhD candidate in the Dept of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, Monash University - LinkedIn

Who Should Attend

• Current PhD students at any stage of candidature
• Prospective PhD students preparing for research careers
• Academic supervisors seeking better engagement with students
• HDR support staff, research coordinators, and program directors

Exclusive Benefit: Post-Webinar Mentoring

Available only to live webinar attendees:

​✅ One-on-one mentoring with experienced Muslim academics

​✅ Personalised advice for your academic journey and goals

​✅ Priority feedback on promotion applications

​✅ Guidance on developing effective supervisor relationships

This personalized mentoring opportunity is exclusively available to those who attend the live session and cannot be accessed through recorded webinars.

How to Register

Step 1: New to MNARA? Complete our survey at www.mnara.au

Step 2: Already a member? Click the Register button

Step 3: You will receive your Zoom link before the event

Spaces are limited. Register early to secure your spot and unlock your exclusive

mentoring opportunity.

While the session will be recorded for MNARA members, mentoring is strictly for

live attendees.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The Muslim Network of Academics and Researchers Australia (MNARA)

www.mnara.au