How to Find a PhD Topic You’re Truly Passionate About

Choosing a dissertation topic can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this video, Dr. Padilla shares candid advice on how to find a research topic that aligns with your passions, strengths, and long-term goals. Whether you're just starting your PhD or rethinking your current direction, this guide will help you connect what you care about with what you study.

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00:00 – Why passion matters (and when it doesn’t)
01:41 – How to identify your true interests
03:53 – The importance of constraints (and how to bend them)
06:31 – How to write a one-sentence thesis problem
08:38 – Making a proposal
09:44 – What to do if you don’t have a passion

📌 Keywords:
How to choose a PhD topic, dissertation advice, thesis tips, PhD motivation, academic research topic ideas, interdisciplinary research, graduate school survival, research passion, thesis proposal help