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!
Hi! My name is Izzy and I am a rising sophomore at Columbia University studying Neuroscience and Behavior on a pre-medical track, aspiring to become an emergency room physician or trauma surgeon in the future. Within the last year, I earned my EMT certification and have been involved in various clubs and volunteer activities on and off campus, but am definitely looking for more ways to help the community! I am very excited to be a part of the Laidlaw program and spend the summer in New York. Out of school, I love playing soccer, listening to music, and trying new foods/drinks around the city :) Please reach out if you have any interest/advice for my research this summer or if you just want to make a new friend!
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Hey Izzy! I definitely feel you on the challenges of creating a timeline that contextualizes an attainable and feasible scope for your project. I'm glad you were able to get some help and advice from other scholars and mentors. How did you end up deciding what objectives deserved detailed perspectives and which ones you felt comfortable keeping "surface-level?" I'm running into a similar situation and would love to hear about that process. Good luck with the rest of your project, I'm so excited to learn more about it!