diff --git a/LICENSE b/LICENSE
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7a932ed
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+MIT License
+
+Copyright (c) 2026 Dissertation Template Contributors
+
+Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy
+of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal
+in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights
+to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell
+copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is
+furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions:
+
+The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all
+copies or substantial portions of the Software.
+
+THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR
+IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
+FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE
+AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER
+LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM,
+OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE
+SOFTWARE.
diff --git a/Makefile b/Makefile
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..675d1a3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Makefile
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+# ========================================================================
+# Makefile for dissertation template
+# ========================================================================
+# This Makefile provides convenient shortcuts for building the dissertation.
+# It is primarily intended for local CLI usage (VimTeX users can also call
+# make targets if desired). Overleaf does not support Makefiles.
+#
+# Usage:
+#   make          -- build the dissertation PDF
+#   make clean    -- remove auxiliary files
+#   make distclean-- remove everything including the PDF
+#   make watch    -- continuous preview mode (latexmk -pvc)
+# ========================================================================
+
+MAIN    := main
+LATEXMK := latexmk
+OUTDIR  := build
+
+.PHONY: all clean distclean watch help
+
+all: $(MAIN).pdf
+
+$(MAIN).pdf: $(MAIN).tex
+	$(LATEXMK) -pdf -synctex=1 $(MAIN).tex
+
+clean:
+	$(LATEXMK) -c $(MAIN).tex
+
+distclean:
+	$(LATEXMK) -C $(MAIN).tex
+
+watch:
+	$(LATEXMK) -pdf -pvc -synctex=1 $(MAIN).tex
+
+help:
+	@echo "Dissertation build targets:"
+	@echo "  make        - Build the PDF"
+	@echo "  make clean  - Remove auxiliary files"
+	@echo "  make distclean - Remove PDF and all generated files"
+	@echo "  make watch  - Continuous preview mode"
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e59e12d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,180 @@
+# Dissertation LaTeX Template
+
+A clean, modular LaTeX template for PhD dissertations. Designed for compatibility with both **Overleaf** (web-based, no installation) and **local toolchains** like VimTeX.
+
+---
+
+## Quick Start
+
+### Overleaf (Recommended for Beginners)
+
+1. Download this repository as a ZIP file.
+2. In Overleaf, click **New Project → Upload Project** and select the ZIP.
+3. Open `definitions.tex` and fill in your metadata (name, title, committee, etc.).
+4. Write your chapters in `chapter/<name>/main.tex` files.
+5. Add bibliography entries to `bibliography.bib`.
+6. Click **Recompile** to build.
+
+> **Note:** Overleaf automatically detects `.latexmkrc` and uses the correct build settings. No manual compiler configuration needed.
+
+### Local Build (VimTeX / CLI)
+
+**Prerequisites:** A working TeX distribution (TeX Live, MiKTeX, or MacTeX) with `latexmk` and `biber` installed.
+
+**Build:**
+```bash
+latexmk main.tex
+```
+
+**Clean auxiliary files:**
+```bash
+latexmk -c main.tex
+```
+
+**Clean everything (including PDF):**
+```bash
+latexmk -C main.tex
+```
+
+**Continuous preview (auto-rebuild on save):**
+```bash
+latexmk -pvc main.tex
+```
+
+**Or use the Makefile:**
+```bash
+make          # Build
+make clean    # Clean aux files
+make distclean # Clean everything
+make watch    # Continuous preview
+```
+
+**VimTeX users:** The included `.latexmkrc` is automatically picked up by VimTeX. Just open `main.tex` in Neovim/Vim and use your usual VimTeX mappings (e.g., `<localleader>ll` to compile, `<localleader>lv` to view).
+
+---
+
+## Project Structure
+
+```
+.
+├── main.tex                      # Root document (do not edit structure lightly)
+├── definitions.tex               # Your metadata: name, title, committee, etc.
+├── definitions-extra.tex         # Extra preamble: custom commands, theorem styles
+├── bibliography.bib              # BibLaTeX bibliography database
+├── .latexmkrc                    # Build configuration (Overleaf + local)
+├── Makefile                      # CLI shortcuts
+├── README.md                     # This file
+│
+├── dissertation-style/           # Internal style files (rarely need editing)
+│   ├── preamble.tex              # Package imports and setup
+│   ├── front-matter.tex          # Title page, abstract, TOC, etc.
+│   └── back-matter.tex           # Appendix setup
+│
+├── front-matter/                 # Content for roman-numeraled pages
+│   ├── abstract.tex              # Dissertation abstract
+│   ├── dedication.tex            # Optional dedication page
+│   └── acknowledgements.tex      # Optional acknowledgements
+│
+└── chapter/                      # Your chapters
+    ├── introduction/
+    │   └── main.tex              # Introduction chapter
+    └── conclusion/
+        └── main.tex              # Conclusion chapter
+    # Add more: chapter/<name>/main.tex, then \input in main.tex
+```
+
+---
+
+## Customization Guide
+
+### 1. Set Your Metadata
+
+Edit `definitions.tex`:
+
+```latex
+\def\dissertationtitle{Your Actual Title}
+\def\fullname{Your Full Name}
+\def\defenseyear{2027}
+\def\defensemonth{May}
+\def\defenseday{15}
+\def\advisor{Dr. Advisor Name}
+```
+
+Also update:
+- `\university`, `\department`, `\degree` (defaults to Duke Math PhD)
+- Committee members in `\committeelist`
+
+### 2. Enable/Disable Optional Pages
+
+In `definitions.tex`, toggle these flags:
+
+```latex
+\dedicationtrue        % Dedication page
+\tablestrue            % List of Tables
+\figurestrue           % List of Figures
+\symbolstrue           % List of Symbols (requires makeglossaries)
+\acknowledgementstrue  % Acknowledgements
+\appendixtrue          % Appendices
+```
+
+Comment out or set `\...false` to disable.
+
+### 3. Add a New Chapter
+
+1. Create the directory: `chapter/my_chapter/`
+2. Create `chapter/my_chapter/main.tex`:
+   ```latex
+   \chapter{My Chapter Title}
+   \section{First Section}
+   Your content here.
+   ```
+3. Add to `main.tex`:
+   ```latex
+   \input{chapter/my_chapter/main.tex}
+   ```
+
+### 4. Add Bibliography Entries
+
+Edit `bibliography.bib`:
+
+```bibtex
+@article{smith2024,
+  author  = {Smith, Alice and Jones, Bob},
+  title   = {A Great Paper},
+  journal = {Journal of Examples},
+  year    = {2024},
+  volume  = {42},
+  pages   = {1--20}
+}
+```
+
+Cite in your text: `\cite{smith2024}`.
+
+### 5. Define Symbols (Optional)
+
+If `\symbolstrue` is enabled, add symbols in `definitions.tex`:
+
+```latex
+\glsxtrnewsymbol[description={the special linear group}]{SL2}{\ensuremath{\mathrm{SL}(2, \mathbb{R})}}
+```
+
+They will appear in the List of Symbols.
+
+---
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+| Problem | Solution |
+|---|---|
+| "Missing bibliography" error | Ensure `bibliography.bib` exists and has at least one entry. Run `latexmk` twice. |
+| "Missing glossary" error | The `.latexmkrc` runs `makeglossaries` automatically. If building manually, run `makeglossaries main` between pdflatex passes. |
+| Overleaf won't compile | Check that `definitions.tex` has no unfilled `%% FILL IN %%` comments left in active macro definitions. |
+| VimTeX not detecting `.latexmkrc` | Ensure your VimTeX config does not override `g:vimtex_compiler_latexmk`. The defaults work. |
+
+---
+
+## License
+
+MIT License — see [LICENSE](LICENSE) for details.
+
+You are free to use, modify, and distribute this template for personal or departmental use.
diff --git a/bibliography.bib b/bibliography.bib
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9ecb427
--- /dev/null
+++ b/bibliography.bib
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+%% ========================================================================
+%% BIBLIOGRAPHY FILE
+%% ========================================================================
+%% Add your bibliography entries here. Each entry follows the BibLaTeX format.
+%%
+%% Common entry types:
+%%   @article{key, author={}, title={}, journal={}, year={}, volume={}, pages={}}
+%%   @book{key, author={}, title={}, publisher={}, year={}}
+%%   @inproceedings{key, author={}, title={}, booktitle={}, year={}}
+%%   @phdthesis{key, author={}, title={}, school={}, year={}}
+%%   @misc{key, author={}, title={}, howpublished={}, year={}}
+%%
+%% Example:
+%% @article{example2024,
+%%   author  = {Author, Alice and Writer, Bob},
+%%   title   = {An Example Paper},
+%%   journal = {Journal of Examples},
+%%   year    = {2024},
+%%   volume  = {42},
+%%   number  = {7},
+%%   pages   = {123--456}
+%% }
+%%
+%% Cite in your text with: \cite{example2024}
+%% ========================================================================
+
diff --git a/chapter/conclusion/main.tex b/chapter/conclusion/main.tex
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..74c9378
--- /dev/null
+++ b/chapter/conclusion/main.tex
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+%% FILL IN: Write your conclusion here.
+%%
+%% Typical structure:
+%% - Summary of results
+%% - Discussion of implications
+%% - Limitations
+%% - Future work
+%%
+%% Delete these comments and replace with your text.
+
+\chapter{Conclusion}
+
+\section{Summary}
+
+[Summarize your main results and contributions.]
+
+\section{Future Work}
+
+[Discuss open problems and directions for future research.]
diff --git a/chapter/introduction/main.tex b/chapter/introduction/main.tex
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f941f20
--- /dev/null
+++ b/chapter/introduction/main.tex
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+%% FILL IN: Write your introduction here.
+%%
+%% Typical structure:
+%% - Motivation and context
+%% - Literature review / related work
+%% - Problem statement
+%% - Overview of contributions
+%% - Organization of the dissertation
+%%
+%% Delete these comments and replace with your text.
+
+\chapter{Introduction}
+
+\section{Motivation}
+
+[Your introduction text goes here.]
+
+\section{Related Work}
+
+[Cite relevant literature using \cite{key}.]
+
+\section{Contributions}
+
+[Summarize your main contributions.]
+
+\section{Organization}
+
+[Outline the structure of the remaining chapters.]
diff --git a/definitions-extra.tex b/definitions-extra.tex
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..51fa1b6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/definitions-extra.tex
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+% Some common AMSTHM configurations
+\newtheorem{theorem}{Theorem}[section]
+\newtheorem{lemma}[theorem]{Lemma}
+\newtheorem{corollary}[theorem]{Corollary}
+\newtheorem{proposition}[theorem]{Proposition}
+\newtheorem{conjecture}[theorem]{Conjecture}
+\theoremstyle{definition}
+\newtheorem{question}[theorem]{Question}
+\newtheorem{construction}[theorem]{Construction}
+\newtheorem{definition}[theorem]{Definition}
+\newtheorem{remark}[theorem]{Remark}
+\newtheorem{example}[theorem]{Example}
diff --git a/definitions.tex b/definitions.tex
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f9c697d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/definitions.tex
@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+%% ========================================================================
+%% DISSERTATION METADATA -- FILL IN ALL FIELDS BELOW
+%% ========================================================================
+
+% Title should be in Title Case; capitalize the first letter of words
+% other than articles, coordinating conjunctions, or prepositions of
+% no more than 4 letters.
+\def\dissertationtitle{%% FILL IN: Your Dissertation Title}
+\def\fullname{%% FILL IN: Your Full Name}
+\def\defenseyear{%% FILL IN: 2027}
+\def\defensemonth{%% FILL IN: March}
+\def\defenseday{%% FILL IN: 31}
+\def\advisor{%% FILL IN: Advisor Name}
+\def\biblatexfile{bibliography} % the name of your .bib file (without extension)
+
+% Institution settings -- change if not Duke Mathematics
+\def\university{Duke University}
+\def\department{Department of Mathematics}
+\def\degree{Doctor of Philosophy}
+
+%
+% OPTIONAL PAGE VARIABLES
+%
+
+% Set the following variables to TRUE if your dissertation requires any
+% of the following optional pages. Set to FALSE (or comment out) to disable.
+
+% A dedication should be defined in dedication.tex at the top level
+\dedicationtrue%
+%\tablestrue      % Enable if you have tables
+%\figurestrue     % Enable if you have figures
+\symbolstrue%    % Enable if you use the list of symbols
+\acknowledgementstrue%
+%\appendixtrue    % Enable if you have appendices
+
+% Committee members (add/remove lines as needed)
+\listadd{\committeelist}{%% FILL IN: Committee Member 1}
+\listadd{\committeelist}{%% FILL IN: Committee Member 2}
+\listadd{\committeelist}{%% FILL IN: Committee Member 3}
+
+%
+% SYMBOL DEFINITIONS
+%
+
+\ifsymbols%
+\newcommand{\nomname}{List of Symbols}
+
+% Define your symbols as follows; one \glsxtrnewsymbol line for each symbol.
+% Use ensuremath for math-mode and provide a unique slug (like 'SU2') for each symbol.
+% Example:
+% \glsxtrnewsymbol[description={the group of $2 \times 2$ unitary matrices with determinant 1}]{SU2}{\ensuremath{\mathrm{SU}(2)}}
+
+\fi
diff --git a/dissertation-style/back-matter.tex b/dissertation-style/back-matter.tex
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6fa46df
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dissertation-style/back-matter.tex
@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+\backmatter
+
+\makeatletter
+\renewcommand\mainmatter{%
+  \@mainmattertrue
+  %\pagenumbering{arabic}% Don't reset
+}
+\makeatother
+\mainmatter
+\appendix
diff --git a/dissertation-style/front-matter.tex b/dissertation-style/front-matter.tex
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..61d6f56
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dissertation-style/front-matter.tex
@@ -0,0 +1,146 @@
+\frontmatter
+
+\pagestyle{empty}
+% TITLE
+\begin{titlepage}
+\begin{center}
+\vspace*{1cm}
+
+\dissertationtitle
+
+\vspace{1cm}
+by
+            
+\vspace{1cm}
+
+\fullname
+
+\vspace{1cm}
+
+\department \\
+\university
+
+Defense Date: \defensemonth\ \defenseday, \defenseyear
+
+\vspace{1cm}
+
+Approved:
+
+\vspace{1cm}
+
+\underline{Dissertation Advisor} \\
+\advisor
+
+\printlist{\committeelist}
+            
+\vfill
+
+Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements for the degree of \degree\ in the \department\ in the Graduate School of \university \\
+\defenseyear
+\end{center}
+\end{titlepage}
+
+% abstract title
+\begin{center}
+ABSTRACT
+\vspace*{1cm}
+
+
+\dissertationtitle
+
+\vspace{1cm}
+by
+            
+\vspace{1cm}
+
+\fullname
+
+\vspace{1cm}
+
+\department \\
+\university
+
+Defense Date: \defensemonth\ \defenseday, \defenseyear
+
+\vspace{1cm}
+
+Approved:
+
+\vspace{1cm}
+
+\underline{Dissertation Advisor} \\
+\advisor
+
+\printlist{\committeelist}
+            
+\vfill
+
+An abstract of a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements for the degree of \degree\ in the \department\ in the Graduate School of \university \\
+\defenseyear
+\end{center}
+\newpage
+
+% COPYRIGHT
+\vspace*{\fill}
+\begin{center}
+    Copyright by\\
+    \fullname\\
+    \defenseyear
+\end{center}
+\clearpage
+
+% ABSTRACT
+\pagestyle{plain}
+\pagenumbering{roman}
+\begin{abstract}
+    \input{front-matter/abstract.tex}
+\end{abstract}
+\setcounter{page}{4}
+\addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{Abstract}
+
+
+% DEDICATION
+\ifdedication
+\newpage
+\input{front-matter/dedication.tex}
+\fi
+
+
+
+% TABLE OF CONTENTS
+\newpage
+\tableofcontents
+
+% LIST OF TABLES
+\iftables
+\newpage
+\listoftables
+\addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{List of Tables}
+\fi
+
+% LIST OF FIGURES
+\iffigures
+\newpage
+\listoffigures
+\addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{List of Figures}
+\fi
+
+%SYMBOLS
+\ifsymbols
+\newpage
+\printunsrtglossary[type=symbols,style=long,title={List of Symbols}]
+\addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{List of Symbols}
+\fi
+
+% ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
+\ifacknowledgements
+\newpage
+\input{front-matter/acknowledgements.tex}
+\addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{Acknowledgements}
+\fi
+
+\clearpage
+%\thispagestyle{empty}
+\pagebreak
+
+\pagenumbering{arabic}
diff --git a/dissertation-style/preamble.tex b/dissertation-style/preamble.tex
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b75e275
--- /dev/null
+++ b/dissertation-style/preamble.tex
@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+\documentclass[11pt,letterpaper]{book}
+\usepackage{amsmath,amssymb,amsthm,graphicx,tikz,tikz-cd,fancyhdr}
+\usepackage[nottoc]{tocbibind}
+\usepackage[backend=bibtex,sorting=nyt,maxbibnames=99]{biblatex}
+\usepackage[margin=1.25in]{geometry}
+\usepackage[english]{babel}
+\usepackage{microtype}
+\usepackage[toc]{appendix}
+\usepackage[symbols,nogroupskip,sort=none]{glossaries-extra}
+\usepackage{etoolbox}
+\usepackage{lipsum}
+\usepackage{silence}
+\WarningsOff[biblatex]
+
+\setcounter{secnumdepth}{5}
+\renewcommand{\theparagraph}{\arabic{paragraph}}
+\allowdisplaybreaks
+\newenvironment{abstract}%
+{\cleardoublepage\null \vfill\begin{center}%
+	\bfseries \abstractname \end{center}}%
+	{\vfill\null }
+\usepackage[hidelinks]{hyperref}
+\addto\captionsenglish{%
+  \renewcommand{\contentsname}%
+    {Table of Contents}%
+}
+
+\newcommand{\printlist}[2][\\]{{
+  \def\listsep{\def\listsep{#1}}% Delayed execution of list separator
+  \renewcommand{\do}[1]{\listsep \underline{Committee Member}\\##1}%
+  \dolistloop\committeelist
+}}
+
+\newcommand{\printchapters}[2][\pagebreak]{{
+  \def\listsep{\def\listsep{#1}}% Delayed execution of list separator
+  \renewcommand{\do}[1]{\listsep \include{##1/main.tex}}%
+  \dolistloop\chapterlist
+}}
+
+\fancyhead{}
+\fancyfoot[C]{\thepage}
+
+\newif\ifdedication
+\newif\ifacknowledgements
+\newif\iffigures
+\newif\ifsymbols
+\newif\iftables
+\newif\ifappendix
+
+\input{definitions.tex}
+\input{definitions-extra.tex}
+
+\bibliography{\biblatexfile}
diff --git a/front-matter/abstract.tex b/front-matter/abstract.tex
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5b8dc63
--- /dev/null
+++ b/front-matter/abstract.tex
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+%% FILL IN: Write your abstract here (typically 150--300 words).
+%%
+%% Tips:
+%% - State the problem your research addresses
+%% - Describe your approach/methods
+%% - Summarize key results
+%% - State the significance/contribution
+%%
+%% Delete these comments and replace with your text.
+
+This dissertation presents... [your abstract text goes here]
diff --git a/front-matter/acknowledgements.tex b/front-matter/acknowledgements.tex
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fce0e9f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/front-matter/acknowledgements.tex
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+%% FILL IN: Write your acknowledgements here.
+%% Thank advisors, committee members, collaborators, family, funding sources, etc.
+%% Delete these comments and replace with your text.
+
+\section*{Acknowledgements}
+
+I would like to thank... [your acknowledgements go here]
diff --git a/front-matter/dedication.tex b/front-matter/dedication.tex
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a8bf7e2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/front-matter/dedication.tex
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+%% FILL IN: Optional dedication page.
+%% Delete this entire file or leave empty if you do not want a dedication.
+%% Set \dedicationfalse in definitions.tex to disable.
+
+\section*{Dedication}
+\begin{flushright}
+[Your dedication goes here.]
+\end{flushright}
diff --git a/main.tex b/main.tex
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fb0c0ee
--- /dev/null
+++ b/main.tex
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+\input{dissertation-style/preamble.tex}
+
+\begin{document}
+
+\input{dissertation-style/front-matter.tex}
+
+\mainmatter%
+
+%%%%
+%
+% PART 1
+%
+%%%%
+\input{chapter/introduction/main.tex}
+
+%%%%
+%
+% PART 2
+%
+%%%%
+
+\input{chapter/conclusion/main.tex}
+
+
+%%%%
+%
+% BACK MATTER
+%
+%%%% 
+
+\input{dissertation-style/back-matter.tex}
+\addcontentsline{toc}{chapter}{Bibliography}
+\printbibliography%
+
+\ifappendix%
+\chapter*{Appendices}
+
+\begin{appendices}
+    %input appendices here like
+    %\input{chapter/background_material/main.tex}
+\end{appendices}
+\fi
+
+\end{document}