The Social Science Collective
A community and accountability program for social science graduate students and postdoctoral fellows
The Social Science Collective
An expert-led community and accountability program for social science graduate students and postdocs
Graduate School can be both extremely rewarding and overwhelming...
I've been there – staring at that blank page, late night writing sessions fueled by coffee and snacks, crying in the department bathroom, agonizing over my PhD proposal, and trying to explain to family and friends why I'd possibly want to prolong my time in school. And at the same time feeling grateful for work I loved.I know that navigating grad school or a postdoc without the right support is exponentially harder than it needs to be. That's why I created a space for support, accountability, and community.
What's Included
8 Live Sessions Over 8 Weeks. One session per week, so that you have enough structure to keep momentum without being overwhelmed. Sessions will combine two or more of the following: goal-setting and accountability, coworking time, short discussions on common challenges like procrastination and time management, and hot seat sessions for real-time support on your specific challenges. 60-75 minutes each via Zoom.
As a pilot cohort member, you'll also get to shape the discussion topics based on what matters most to you.1-1 Clarity Call. Your dedicated time with me to work through whatever you're most stuck on – research roadblocks, competing priorities, strategic planning, how to move past the blank page, and more. 45 minutes over Zoom.Private Community Access. Your space to connect with other participants between sessions. Ask questions, share wins and challenges, or just vent.Resources & Tools. Reflection prompts, progress trackers, and other resources to help you stay focused, manage your time, and organize your competing priorities.
Logistics
Length: 8 Weeks
Start Date: Late September/early October 2026
Session Day/Time: Confirmed based on group availability (you'll have the schedule before committing)
Format: Online via Zoom
Cohort Size: 10 participants max
Cost
Pilot price: $197 / equivalent in NIS + VATThis is the inaugural cohort.
The price reflects that – in exchange, I'm asking for your honest feedback throughout and a testimonial at the end.
About Me
I'm Dr. Sharon Shenhav, and I have a PhD in Psychology and Social Behavior from University of California, Irvine. My work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, I've completed two postdocs, and I have extensive experience supporting students. I've taught psychology and writing courses, held professional development sessions, hosted journal clubs, and mentored students on research projects.I also founded an academic editing service where I work with professors and graduate students across social science disciplines at top universities to refine their manuscripts and grant proposals.I've also been exactly where you are: I've had the 2am panic spirals, felt like there aren't enough hours in the day, been intensely nervous before presentations and conferences (I literally didn't remember what I said in my master's thesis presentation the moment it ended!), and tried to juggle a social life outside of my studies while explaining myself to family and friends who couldn't quite understand why I'd possibly want to prolong my time in school.And at the same time... I felt grateful for doing work that I loved, researching interesting topics, and having colleagues and mentors who gave me a sense of belonging. I learned that a strong support network makes all the difference – people who understand what you're going through, who help you think through challenges, and who encourage your next steps.I also know that not everyone has that. And that pursuing an intensive degree or a postdoc without that type of support makes it exponentially harder.That's why I created a peer community and accountability program, with expert guidance from someone who's been there – both through the stress and the fulfillment. This program is built on everything I've learned navigating grad school myself and from mentoring dozens of students.
The Social Science Collective
Because I get it.
Because a space like this doesn't exist.
Because you deserve support.You know how it's easier to tell a stranger on the plane about your problems? Here, you'll have a community that exists outside of your program to listen, support, and help you move forward.
This program is designed for MA and PhD students in the social sciences who are actively working on a research proposal, thesis, dissertation, or independent research project – and who are stuck, isolated, or struggling to make consistent progress.This Program Is For You If You're:• A social science student (MA, research track or PhD) or postdoc
• Looking for accountability and community
• Ready to actively participate
• Willing to show up consistently for 8 weeks
• Open to both receiving and offering feedback
FAQs
When exactly does the program start?
Late September/early October 2026. Exact session day and time will be set based on the group's availability and time zones once the cohort is confirmed -- you will have all the information before you commit and pay.What are clarity calls? Your chance to receive 1-1 support from me -- from advisor relations to research challenges, prioritization, or whatever you're stuck on or would like to talk through. Every cohort member gets one 45-minute clarity call included.What are hot seat sessions? Your opportunity to present a specific challenge and get input from me and the group in real time. Even when you're not in the hot seat, you'll learn from hearing others' situations.What's the cohort size? This pilot will include up to 10 participants.Can you edit my drafts or give written feedback? Not as part of this program. You can bring writing challenges to hot seats or your clarity call, but I'm unable to provide written notes or edits.Is what I share private? Community guidelines require all information stay private. For sensitive topics, keep questions general. Everything you share with me individually remains completely confidential.What if I miss a session? Life happens. Sessions will not be recorded so that members feel comfortable sharing, but any learning or resources will be shared with you afterward. Consistent attendance matters though -- the program works because of the group.Can I join if I'm not in the social sciences? Email me at [email protected]. I evaluate applications from other fields on a case-by-case basis.Why is there an application? The program works best when everyone is committed to active participation. The application helps ensure good fit.Can I get additional 1-1 support? Yes! Your program includes one 45-minute clarity call. Additional calls are available for cohort members at $65/session or $160 for three sessions.I saw you're an academic editor – is this an editing service? No. This program is about support, accountability, and hands-on help getting unstuck. If you want editing services, we can discuss that separately: www.sharonshenhavphd.com.I'm a faculty member/PI. Do you work with labs or departments? Yes! Email me at [email protected] to discuss options.I have other questions. Can we chat? Sure! Email me at [email protected] and we can schedule a brief call if needed.
© 2026 by Sharon Shenhav, PhD