After 6 weeks of coding, reading literature, writing and proofreading, I am pleased to share my summer 1 Laidlaw research report! The project, conducted within the Department of Psychology at Durham University, had several key aims:

• To code 4D ultrasound videos of fetuses in utero, with the aim of determining whether there are any statistically significant differences in eye behaviour responses dependent upon the pattern of light stimuli presented to the fetus.
• To provide a background to the existing field of fetal behavioural research in response to light stimuli, including the impact of maternal mental health upon this.
• To provide a background to the range of ultrasound coding methodologies, including an insight into how emerging AI technologies could shape the field.

On a personal level, one of my key takeaways from the research period was the importance of resilience. This was a skill that was invaluable in producing the final research outputs, particularly considering that the ultrasound study did not finding the statistically significant results we had hoped for due to the small sample size available. Whilst this was initially disappointing, there were still several valuable findings (both in terms of research and on a personal level) which emerged from the project:

• Trends – Whilst the small sample size contributed to no statistically significant findings, some of the observed trends within the research findings are supported by previous research. These are described in the Analysis/Discussion section of my report.
• On a personal level, one of the main skills I feel I developed over the research period was the importance of critical thinking, particularly regarding reviewing published research papers. Guided by my supervisor, I felt that I developed an awareness of how to critically consider the findings and methodologies of existing research. This has taught me not to always take research findings at face value, and to be aware that biases and the presentation of results can sometimes impact their validity.
• Importance of other ‘soft skills’, particularly: adaptability, communication and open-mindedness. I found these three skills particularly valuable in helping me to navigate the project over the 6-week period.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my research project this summer and am proud of the outputs produced. This project would not have been possible without the time, help and guidance of my supervisor Professor Dr Nadja Reissland, to whom I am very grateful.

For a more condensed version of my research findings, please see my research poster also published on the Laidlaw Network. Thanks for reading!