Working with Gandalf: Professional and Personal Learning in a Doctoral Student – Supervisor Relationship

This chapter is written from Leonie’s (a doctoral student) perspective with interjection from Sandy (her supervisor) as they explore their relationship throughout Leonie’s doctoral candidacy. It is written in the first person by Leonie; Sandy’s responses are italicized.

This chapter explores the journey I have undertaken, in conjunction with, and supported by, my supervisor, Sandy. The chapter offers an exploration of the development of ways in which both I, as a student, and Sandy, as a supervisor, constructed ourselves and each other in these roles, and investigates these constructions from both our perspectives. It details changes that I underwent in my identification of myself as a student and indicates how this was supported by Sandy in her supervisory role.