South Middlesex Times

Tamiah Brevard-Rodriguez, an 8-months pregnant doctoral student, was preparing for her dissertation defense when she went into labor in the early hours of March 25. Despite the unexpected timing, Brevard-Rodriguez managed to give birth and defend her dissertation on the same day.

"Both were my 40th birthday presents to myself," said Brevard-Rodriguez, who serves as the director of Aresty undergraduate research center and is a student at Rutgers-New Brunswick Graduate School of Education. She had planned to complete her doctorate and have her second child in that order.

However, her son Enzo had other plans. Despite initial attempts to stay calm and continue with her day's schedule, Brevard-Rodriguez realized she was in active labor. Her wife quickly messaged her academic mentor and arranged childcare for their first child while they rushed to the hospital.

On their way to the hospital, Brevard-Rodriguez delivered Enzo in the front seat of their car. The couple arrived at the hospital with newborn Enzo surprising the awaiting staff. Both mother and baby were found to be in good health despite the unusual circumstances.

Brevard-Rodriguez then turned her attention back to her dissertation defense scheduled for later that day. Despite initial plans to reschedule due to her unexpected delivery, she decided not to change the schedule. With support from her wife and doula, she prepared herself and defended her dissertation via Zoom from her hospital bed.

Only James Whitney III, Brevard-Rodriguez's mentor, knew about the birth during the call. She revealed it only after successfully defending her dissertation.

Her achievement was lauded by Melina Mangin, professor and chair of the Department of Educational Theory, Policy and Administration at the Graduate School of Education. "Tamiah had delivered a flawless defense with zero indication that she had just given birth. She really took the idea of productivity to the next level! We are so proud of Tamiah and thrilled for her family," Mangin said.

Brevard-Rodriguez's research topic focused on beauty standards for Black college women on a historically white campus. She is now looking forward to attending her commencement with her newly expanded family before taking a well-deserved maternity leave.