1. What are you most excited about as you start your Laidlaw research summer?
During this summer, I am very excited to learn more about the research process while obtaining guidance from various graduate students, librarians, and the other talented students also part of this Laidlaw cohort! I am also looking forward to further gain a sense of independence while living on my own throughout the next month.
2. This week, the discussions we held about research cut across the disciplines. How does the interdisciplinary nature of this program, the fact that students are focusing on such a diverse range of projects, help you think about your project and/or your academic interests more broadly?
The interdisciplinary nature of this program has helped me realize that my project does not only have to fall within one interest. It also allows me to seek guidance from other students that have similar projects, while also gaining inspiration from researchers that have projects very different from mine! Overall, I feel like I am getting a more worldwide view of what is occurring within governments, labs, and societies by learning from my peers.
3. As you begin your individual research projects this week, do you anticipate any challenges in getting started? If so, what are they?
The biggest challenge that I have faced while starting my research involves organizing my day and creating a timeline for my project that will allow me to finish all of my goals/tasks on time. My research also involves many different objectives that could be looked at with a surface-level or very detailed perspective; I have also struggled to find a comfortable in-between regarding this matter. Talking to other Laidlaw scholars and meeting with graduate advisors have helped me clear things up!