Over the last four months I have been given the opportunity to embark on a new chapter of my academic career and pursue research as a Clare Boothe Luce Scholar. This has been an exciting and challenging venture that has allowed me to delve deeper into my interests beyond the textbook.
When I started my research project, I had a very different idea of how my project would progress. I quickly learned that results are not always conclusive, and sometimes my experiments will not go as planned. It is up to me to investigate, and try figure out the answers to my own questions. The experiments being done for my project are not like the ones I had done in class. There is not always a correct result, and one small interference can drastically change the results of your experiment. I learned that failure is not something to be afraid of; it is an opportunity to learn. Trial and error is a necessary part of research and is an important step in discovering more about your project. Through this realization, I learned to trust my own thinking and have more confidence in myself.
I also learned the importance of attention to detail. Research is sometimes a slow process, and itrequires much time and effort to make progress. I learned the importance of paying attention to fine details and being very thorough in my work. Breaking down my work into smaller sections and handling each one at a time helps me manage my work and stay organized. Overall, these past few months have proven to be one of the most challenging but also rewarding parts of my academic career. I am excited to progress in my project and continue to work alongside my mentors and Dr. Gina Adam.