Home About Michigan Doctoral Experience Study (MDES) Findings and Insights Ph.D. Student Perspectives on Quality of Life Ph.D. Student Perspectives on Quality of Life 2026 | Summary Report This report analyzes open-ended MDES 2025 survey responses using text analysis to identify recurring themes and predominant emotions. The predominant challenges identified by students included stressful advising relationships, disillusionment with research, financial anxiety, a difficult job market, and eroding trust in the university amid geopolitical and federal pressures.