Before Writing

• The preliminary examination must be successful before dissertation writing can begin.
• Create a repository to hold your dissertation during the writing process.
• A UIUC template is available at:
• Review an outline with your advisor.
• Collect figures and tables. Arrange them to tell a story.
• Determine a timeline for each chapter draft to be completed.
• Create GitHub issues and milestones to capture this timeline.

Rules of the Dissertation

• The format must
• The literature review must be comprehensive
• The impact on the field must be clear
• It is not a laboratory report - irrelevant details should be cited in separate reports or relegated to the Appendices.
• All code and data must be cited (with DOIs) and version controlled.

After Writing

• Review should be conducted on a chapter-by-chapter basis with your advisor and committee.
• Once review is complete, request permission from your advisor to schedule the defense.