You guys are awesome. I have had the benefit of a great network of friends and family who have supported and encouraged me throughout. Thanks to everyone for playing a part in this accomplishment (you know who you are). I could not have done it without your support. During this journey, I had realized I was gay, come out to family and friends, changed jobs twice, and undergone divorce (amicable though it may be). If I can do it, surely anyone else can as well.
Great job Lex.....I understand defending your dissertation is about as much fun as a root canal without meds. Will it be published?
It works like this: I get to present my research to a team of professors (I had 6) in 30 minutes. After that, they each get one-on-one time to question me, followed by group questions. This can go on for hours (mine lasted for 90 minutes). Then, they excuse you, debate on your pass/fail status, and then they inform you. You can fail, pass with conditions or pass. I passed. Once you get to defense, you usually pass as you are truly knowledgeable about your topic. I did field some very pointed and awesome questions.
All approved doctoral dissertations are published in a cross-university dissertation database. IIRC, it takes about 6-8 months or more for the database to catch up. I have been encouraged to publish my dissertation in a journal and to write several articles. Time will tell if I ever get to that--I am looking forward to having more free time.