Reflective Essay
When deciding what type of degree I wanted to pursue for my undergrad, it was a no-brainer. My interest in science began way back in elementary school and continued to flourish in high school. I loved the problem-solving aspect, figuring out the whys and hows. It was almost like deciphering puzzles or mysteries. Although my first university introduction to research took place in my second year at Thompson Rivers University, I had technically already been a Research Assistant to graduate students during a trip to Peruvian Amazon in high school. Yet, research didn’t really stand out to me as something to get excited about. I associated it with a master or Ph.D. degree, long hours of work, and no “puzzle solving”. Even during my first year of university, research wasn’t on my radar. I was concerned with doing well in my classes, meeting new people, and getting involved in the community at TRU.
Ironically, looking back at what I’ve accomplished and been exposed to during my research journey, I’ve checked off all those boxes from first year. I’ve been able to gain course credit and recognition on my transcript with my directed studies as well as my Co-op experience, working as a Wet Lab and Instrument Technician at Activation Laboratories. I’ve had the opportunity to meet other research students and professors at conferences and networking events. Because of these opportunities, I’ve improved on my presentation skills and public speaking, in addition to learning to communicate my research findings with fellow researchers. My involvement in research has opened so many doors that I wasn’t even aware existed.
My idea of what research is and what it encompasses has shifted based on my time working with the research office. Before becoming a Research Ambassador, the concept of research was confined to what occurred in the laboratory and library. Although most of my research experience has taken place in a chemistry lab, I have also been introduced to community engaged research, and connecting with the research groups as well as the general public at TRU. I participated in cultural mapping at the TRU campus and at the museum exhibition the research office created along with the city of Kamloops. This showed me the diversity of research. During my time as a Research Ambassador, I worked with the research office to relaunch the “In A Nutshell” undergraduate research competition. We created guidelines and criteria that included all disciplines and judged presenters based on how well they were able to explain their research to a “non-professional”. Watching students from science but also the arts present their projects reinforced for me that research could take many forms.
Overall, my adventure in research has proven to be an amazing experience and memorable part of my undergraduate degree. I have been a Research Assistant, Research Apprentice, Research Ambassador and completed multiple research projects. These research activities have been instrumental to my learning, and growth as a student. I believe that participating in research played an important role in acquiring new skills, improving on previous ones, and taking on leadership positions. I learnt what working in a professional chemistry lab and a research lab was like. As well as the importance of communicating with team members and the support that’s shown in the research community.
Looking to the future, I feel well prepared for the next steps in my academic journey. I will be attending Midwestern University, Arizona College of Optometry in the fall. During my interview, I was asked about my research experiences. They were impressed with my accomplishments and the conferences I had attended and presented at. Their line of questioning led to whether I planned to continue working in research while furthering my studies. It turns out that during the Doctor of Optometry program, second year students conduct research, with the guidance of a professor, in a chosen field and present their findings at a conference held by the university. I was fairly ecstatic when I learnt of this and am very excited to continue exploring my curiosity and building my puzzle solving skills in my future career.
Above all, the world of research has been engaging, insightful, challenging but very rewarding. I am pleased to have been able to experience it with such a supportive and encouraging group of people here at TRU. I have honestly learnt so much, both academically and personally, and feel as though I have grown as a student, researcher and individual.