Researching Workers' Rights in Vietnam: My Past and Future Come Together July 30, 2020 Stories: Students Eric Thai '20 discovers his academic pathway and his family history converge in research. “What is a Ph.D.?” My immigrant father asked. He was understandably concerned about my plans to spend another 4-5 years pursuing another degree. “A Ph.D. is a degree that prepares me to ask questions and contribute knowledge to the world.”