Word for the practical portion of my Ph.D? Is there a (reasonably common) verb I can use meaning to perform the practical work of one’s PhD thesis that I can use to put in the following blank:


  I have ____ my Ph.D. in the laboratory of Professor M. Hatter.


I can’t use completed because I’m lacking my defence as of I-don’t-yet-know-when-exactly.
This may depend on your program, but stating that you've completed your candidacy will be understood by most. There's also the term ABD but that usually refers to a dissertation rather than a defense.

Perhaps stating it as "I am preparing to defend my Ph.D. dissertation/work/etc..." may also work.